As we get closer to head into the summer, this ham and cheese macaroni salad is perfect for dinner or as a side at a pot luck. This time of year is salad season and I love it! I also love that I can make it the night before and we can enjoy it the next night for dinner. You need to give it all at least 4 hours in the refrigerator before you can enjoy it. Those flavors need to meld together.
This ham and cheese macaroni salad is made with a base of those small shell macaroni pasta. Just cook according to package directions. Then rinse with cold water and drain.
Next up is the dressing. This is a combination of mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, grated white onion, salt, and pepper. So simple but it’s the perfect flavor combination.
Then comes the mix ins. This salad has diced celery, ham, cheese, along with some thawed frozen peas and carrots. I love the flavors these mix ins bring, plus the bright colors. It makes a pretty salad.
Here is what you need to make the
Ham and Cheese Macaroni Salad
- SWEET RELISH
- MAYONNAISE
- SALT AND PEPPER
- ONION
- SMALL SHELL PASTA
- CELERY
- HAM
- FROZEN PEAS AND CARROTS
- CHEDDAR CHEESE
Ham and Cheese Macaroni Salad
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp sweet relish
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- salt and pepper
- 2 Tbsp grated white onion
- 1 (8 oz) pkg small shell pasta, cooked and drained
- 2 Tbsp finely diced celery
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- 1 (8 oz) pkg cheddar cheese, diced into 1/2 inch cubes
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add the relish, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and grated onion. Mix until combined.
- Add in the cooked pasta, celery, ham, peas and carrots, and cheddar cheese. Toss until combined. Refrigerate for 4 hours before serving. Stir before serving. Serves 6 as a main dish.
This recipe is adapted from Bubba Pie.