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Creamy Macaroni Pasta Salad with Ham and Sharp Cheddar

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A quick and easy creamy macaroni pasta salad featuring diced ham and sharp cheddar cheese, perfect for summer BBQs and potlucks. This recipe balances creaminess with tang and a satisfying bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni pasta
  • 1 ½ cups cooked ham, diced
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
  • ¾ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons red onion, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions, about 7-8 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water until pasta is cool.
  2. While pasta cooks, dice 1 ½ cups cooked ham, cube 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, finely chop 1 stalk celery, mince 2 tablespoons red onion, and chop 2 tablespoons fresh parsley if using.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine ¾ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. Whisk until smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  4. Add the cooled macaroni to the dressing bowl and toss gently to coat. Add diced ham, cheddar cubes, celery, red onion, and parsley. Fold gently to combine without breaking the pasta.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. For best flavor, chill overnight.
  6. Before serving, stir gently and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta; rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool quickly. Use block sharp cheddar cheese for best texture and flavor. Adjust dressing seasoning to taste. Chill for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor. If salad tastes flat after chilling, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Avoid overmixing once cheese is added to prevent crumbling.

Nutrition

Keywords: macaroni salad, pasta salad, ham, sharp cheddar, summer BBQ, creamy salad, easy recipe, potluck dish

Find it online: https://novanosh.com/creamy-macaroni-pasta-salad-with-ham-and-sharp-cheddar-easy-recipe-for-summer-bbqs/