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)

Cowboy Salad
Recipe Image

Cowboy Salad

A simple, tasty salad that is ready in under 20 minutes. Perfect for BBQs, potluck dinners, or as a side dish any time of year.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Makes:
8 cups
Refried Bean Soup
Medium bowl of thick Refried Bean Soup.

Refried Bean Soup

Canned beans and tomatoes make this tasty soup so quick and easy to prepare.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
10 cups
Rice with Black Beans and Sausage
Large dish of a simple rice, sausage and vegetable mix.

Rice with Black Beans and Sausage

A comforting dish of filling grains, tender beans, and spicy sausage.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
8 Cups
Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Plate of pasta shells filled with pumpkin and cheese filling over red pasta sauce.

Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells

A rich, creamy recipe that combines fall flavors with satisfying pasta.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
12 Filled Shells
Cucumber Flavored Water
Recipe Image for Cucumber Flavored Water

Cucumber Flavored Water

Homemade flavored water is a great option to stay help you stay hydrated!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Do-It-Yourself Trail Mix
Photo of Do-It-Yourself Trail Mix

Do-It-Yourself Trail Mix

Fun and easy recipe to make with kids - homemade trail mix that can be easily changed to include your favorite ingredients.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Was this page helpful to you?