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)

Simple Sautéed Mushrooms
Photo of Simple Sautéed Mushrooms

Simple Sautéed Mushrooms

These sautéed mushrooms add rich flavor to roasted proteins, grain bowls, baked potatoes and so much more!
Prepare:
7 minutes
Cook:
10 to 15 minutes
Makes:
4 Servings
Baked Apples and Squash
Diced squash and apple are baked with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Baked Apples and Squash

A savory vegetarian side dish that combines the flavors of fall.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
3 Cups
Cauliflower Salad
Photo of Cauliflower Salad

Cauliflower Salad

Tender veggies with a creamy dressing make a perfect side dish. Great for summer BBQs!
Prepare:
20 minutes
Makes:
5 Cups
Ginger Almond Asparagus
Sauteed asparagus slices with slivered almonds in a small bowl.

Ginger Almond Asparagus

A healthy vegetable side dish that combines sauteed asparagus with crunchy almonds.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
2 Cups
Chunky Black Bean Dip
Ceramic bowl with bean dip served next to vegetable slices.

Chunky Black Bean Dip

Great appetizer or snack idea ready in as little as 10 minutes!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
3 Cups
Rhubarb Muffins
Platter of muffins with small pink rhubarb pieces.

Rhubarb Muffins

Easy to make muffins with bites of sweet and tart rhubarb.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
12 muffins