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)

Eggplant Dip
Eggplant dip garnished with parsley served with a vegetable and cracker plate.

Eggplant Dip

Creamy, smoky and garlicky, with a pop of tangy lemon. A great way to enjoy eggplant!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
1 ½ Cups
Barley, Bean and Corn Salad
Bowl of barley, bean and vegetable salad garnished with parsley.

Barley, Bean and Corn Salad

Fresh and healthy side dish or salad with beans, grains and fresh veggies. Make-ahead salad that is hearty and filling!
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
6 Cups
Banana Berry Smoothie
Creamy pink banana-raspberry smoothie is shown in a serving glass.

Banana Berry Smoothie

An on-the-go breakfast or snack recipe made with creamy banana, sweet berries and refreshing orange juice!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Pasta with Greens and Beans
Bowl of vegetable pasta sprinkled with grated parmesan.

Pasta with Greens and Beans

Classic Italian flavors combine to make the perfect pasta dinner.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
8 cups
Minestrone Soup
Bowl of vegetable and macaroni noodle soup.

Minestrone Soup

This classic vegetable soup is full of veggies, beans, and comforting pasta.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
10 cups
Stovetop Steel Cut Oats
Bowl of soft textured oats served with raspberries.

Stovetop Steel Cut Oats

Steel-cut oats have a chewier, nuttier flavor than rolled oats.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
20 to 25 minutes
Makes:
3 cups
Was this page helpful to you?