Macaroni Salad With Ham

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This macaroni salad is a satisfying dish that works just as well for lunch as for a light summer supper. It’s cool, creamy, and loaded with texture from crisp celery, sweet peas, and tender pasta.

The ham adds heartiness, but the recipe is flexible—swap in leftover chicken, turkey, or extra vegetables for an easy variation. Served on a bed of crisp lettuce, it’s as pretty as it is delicious.

Ingredient Notes

• Macaroni – Small elbow or salad macaroni works best.
• Lettuce – Iceberg or romaine adds crunch and freshness.
• Celery & onion – Provide crisp texture and savory balance.
• Ham – Diced cooked ham adds protein and substance.
• English peas – Steam briefly for the best color and flavor.
• Mayonnaise – Start with ½ cup and add more if you prefer a creamier texture.
• Sweet pickles – Bread-and-butter pickles add sweetness and tang.
• Tomatoes – Add color and juiciness when arranged on top.

Steps to Make Macaroni Salad With Ham

1. Cook and drain the macaroni; rinse with cold water.
2. Line a serving dish with whole lettuce leaves.
3. Shred the remaining lettuce.
4. Toss the cooled macaroni with the shredded lettuce, celery, onion, ham, and peas.
5. Mix mayonnaise and chopped sweet pickles to make the dressing; stir into the salad.
6. Season with salt and pepper and add more mayo if desired.
7. Transfer to the lettuce-lined serving bowl and garnish with tomato wedges.
8. Chill the salad before serving.

Recipe Variations

• Swap the ham. Use cooked chicken, turkey, or even rotisserie leftovers.
• Add more veggies. Bell peppers, cucumbers, or shredded carrots work well.
• Make it tangier. Add a splash of pickle juice or vinegar.
• Creamier version. Stir in a spoonful of sour cream with the mayo.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with sliced tomatoes or cucumbers on the side.
• Pair with grilled chicken or burgers for a summer meal.
• Add hard-boiled eggs for more protein.
• Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill.

Macaroni Salad With Ham

Diana Rattray

This macaroni salad is hearty enough to serve for dinner or lunch on a summer day. Feel free to omit the ham and use chicken or more veggies.

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Servings 4 servings

Calories 456

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Ingredients

  

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• 1 ½ tsp kosher salt, for the pasta cooking water
• 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni, (4 ounces)
• ½ head lettuce, iceberg or romaine (plus some whole leaves for the serving bowl)
• 1 cup diced celery
• ½ cup diced onion
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1 cup frozen peas, cooked and cooled
• ½ to 1 cup mayonnaise, as desired
• ⅓ cup chopped sweet pickles
• Fine salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 medium fresh tomatoes, cut into wedges

Recommended Equipment

• 3-quart saucepan
• 3-quart colander
• Mixing bowls

Instructions

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• Bring a large pot of water to a boil with 1 1/2 teaspoons of kosher salt, and cook the macaroni following the package directions. Drain in a colander and rinse with cold water; set aside.
  1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni | 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• Arrange a few lettuce leaves at the bottom of a serving dish or large plate, and shred the remaining lettuce.
  1/2 head lettuce
• In a bowl, toss the drained macaroni with the shredded lettuce, diced celery, onion, and ham, and cooked and cooled peas.
  1 cup diced celery | 1/2 cup diced onion | 1 cup diced ham | 1 cup frozen peas
• In another bowl, combine 1/2 cup of mayonnaise with the chopped sweet pickles. Add the dressing to the macaroni mixture and toss to blend. Add more mayonnaise, as desired. Taste and add salt and pepper, as needed.
  1/2 to 1 cup mayonnaise | 1/3 cup chopped sweet pickles | Fine salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Spoon the macaroni salad into the lettuce-lined serving dish or plate and garnish with tomato wedges.
  2 medium fresh tomatoes

Nutrition

Calories: 456kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 14gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 13gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 33mgSodium: 662mgPotassium: 360mgFiber: 6gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 731IUVitamin C: 16mgCalcium: 39mgIron: 2mg

Disclaimer:

Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.

Keyword ham, macaroni salad with ham, pasta salad, peas, tomatoes

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