Skip to main content

Pasta Salad

Enjoy this simple Spring and 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. Rinse or scrub fresh vegetables under running water before preparing.
  3. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  4. 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)

Slow Cooker Black Bean, Sweet Potato and Quinoa Chili
Colorful bowls of thick chili served with green onion.

Slow Cooker Black Bean, Sweet Potato and Quinoa Chili

This simple-to-make and healthy slow cooker chili is full of flavor. Substitute any vegetables you have on hand and freeze extras for an easy lunch.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
2 to 6 hours
Makes:
12 cups
Hummus (with tahini)
Hummus garnished with parsley served with carrot sticks, celery and radishes.

Hummus (with tahini)

Homemade hummus dip blends garbanzo beans with lemon, garlic and tahini. Perfect for dipping veggies or pita!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
1 Cup
Radish and Cucumber Salad
Platter of thinly sliced cucumbers and radishes with a seasoned yogurt sauce.

Radish and Cucumber Salad

Crisp cucumbers, radishes, creamy yogurt and flavorful garlic make this the perfect summer salad.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
5 cups
Potato Salad
Bowl of potatoes, celery and olives with a creamy dressing.

Potato Salad

A creamy potato salad with tangy mustard and crunchy celery. Perfect potluck or summer BBQ dish.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Makes:
8 cups
Jollof Rice
Big bowl of Jollof Rice shown served with plantains and beans.

Jollof Rice

This flavorful variation of a West African favorite includes brown rice, tomatoes, onions, peppers, broth and seasonings. Thanks to the OSU Extension African Heritage Work Group for this recipe.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
55 to 60 minutes
Makes:
8 to 9 cups
Pineapple Veggie Chicken
Medium bowl of chicken, pineapple and vegetables in broth served with rice.

Pineapple Veggie Chicken

Chicken breast simmered in a sweet and tangy broth with a hint of citrus, garlic and ginger.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
10 cups
Was this page helpful to you?
CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.