Skip to main content

Pasta Salad

Hearty pasta, fresh veggies, salty ham, and creamy cheese come together for a great summer side dish.
Macaroni noodles with ham, vegetables and dressing.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Makes: 6 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

3 cups cooked pasta
2 Tablespoons chopped sweet onion
¼ cup chopped celery
¼ cup chopped carrot
¼ cup peas (cooked from fresh or frozen, or canned, drained and rinsed) (see Notes)
2 Tablespoons chopped red or green bell pepper
1 ½ cups chopped ham
½ cup cubed cheddar cheese (optional)
¼ cup low-fat Italian dressing (try Food Hero Red Wine Vinaigrette)

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  3. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • Cook frozen peas according to package directions or to 165 degrees F.
  • Try substituting different vegetables. Always cook frozen vegetables according to package directions."
  • Ham can be substituted with any meat of choice. 
  • Try whole-grain pasta for more whole grains.

Comments

Kids love the color and the added protein of this salad.  Great well rounded snack or meal!

Such an easy and yummy dish!!

Such and easy but tasty recipe!

Very simple and colorful dish! Makes a quick healthy meal for young children.

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Pesto
Small bowl of pesto served with scrambled eggs.

Pesto

Pesto is a bright green sauce that can be enjoyed many ways. Freeze extra to have for meals and to season soups and sauces all year.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
2 ¼ cups
Roasted Radishes with Peas
Plates of a vibrant pea and radish mix.

Roasted Radishes with Peas

Mild, slightly sweet, roasted radishes paired with bright and creamy peas, dill and lemon make the perfect side to any meal.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Skillet Corn Chowder
Bowls of creamy corn soup garnished with microgreens.

Skillet Corn Chowder

Only 5 ingredients to make this creamy, cheesy, and comforting chowder.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Sautéed Cauliflower Rice
Two bowls of grated cauliflower garnished with parsley.

Sautéed Cauliflower Rice

A fun alternative to rice, this cauliflower rice is a great way to add more veggies to your meals.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Ginger Almond Asparagus
Sauteed asparagus slices with slivered almonds in a small bowl.

Ginger Almond Asparagus

A healthy vegetable side dish idea combines delicious sauteed asparagus with the perfect crunch of almonds.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
2 Cups
Hummus (with tahini)
Hummus garnished with parsley served with carrot sticks, celery and radishes.

Hummus (with tahini)

Homemade hummus dip, blended with lemon, garlic, and tahini. Perfect for dipping veggies or pita!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
1 Cup
Was this page helpful to you?