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)

Refrigerator Pickled Vegetables
Glass jars of peppers, garlic, asparagus and carrots in pickling brine.

Refrigerator Pickled Vegetables

Make your own crispy pickled vegetables at home with this simple recipe.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Makes:
2 pints or 1 quart
Strawberry Swirl
Frothy pink strawberry drinks in glasses.

Strawberry Swirl

Strawberries and apple juice blended together to make a refreshing and tasty drink.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Tuna Cabbage Salad
Tuna Cabbage Salad served on slices of toast.

Tuna Cabbage Salad

Light and healthy salad with shredded cabbage and a creamy dressing.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Stovetop Popcorn
Bowls of popcorn served with seaweed and seasonings.

Stovetop Popcorn

Homemade popcorn in just a few minutes.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
5 minutes
Makes:
8 cups
High Protein Banana Split
Small bowls of yogurt topped with a cereal and a colorful fruit combination.

High Protein Banana Split

A protein-packed breakfast or snack recipe. Bananas are topped with Greek yogurt, cereal, fruit and honey.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
2 servings
Stovetop Barley
Cooked barley in a bowl.

Stovetop Barley

This fiber-rich grain has a mild nutty flavor and a slightly chewy texture.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
45 to 60 minutes
Makes:
3 ½ to 4 cups