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This rotini and ham pasta salad is a flavorful, make-ahead dish that’s perfect for potlucks, cookouts, lunches, or easy weeknight dinners. The tender pasta is combined with diced ham, crisp vegetables, olives, and herbs, all tossed in a creamy seasoned mayonnaise dressing that ties everything together.
It’s colorful, hearty, and endlessly adaptable—you can add more vegetables, swap herbs, or adjust the dressing to your taste. It keeps well in the refrigerator, making it a great prep-ahead option for busy days.
What You’ll Like About This Dish
Easy to make ahead. Perfect for chilling a few hours before serving.
Great texture mix. Tender pasta, crisp vegetables, and savory ham.
Versatile and customizable. Adjust veggies, herbs, and dressing to your taste.
Ingredient Notes
- Rotini: The spirals hold onto the dressing—other short pastas work too.
- Ham: Use diced cooked ham or leftover baked ham.
- Red onion: Adds sharpness and crunch.
- Bell pepper: Any color works; red and green add great contrast.
- Ripe olives: Provide a salty, savory bite.
- Parsley: Adds freshness and color.
- Salt or seasoned salt: Adjust based on the saltiness of the ham.
- Garlic powder: Adds savory depth to the dressing.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground is best.
- Basil: Optional, but adds wonderful herb flavor.
- Sweet pickle relish: Balances the creamy dressing with a touch of sweetness.
- Mayonnaise: Provides the creamy base—add more as needed.
Steps to Make Rotini and Ham Pasta Salad
- Cook the rotini in salted water until tender.
- Drain well and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the ham, red onion, bell pepper, olives, parsley, seasonings, and basil.
- Combine the relish and mayonnaise in a separate bowl.
- Add the dressing to the pasta mixture.
- Toss gently until everything is well coated.
- Chill until ready to serve.
Tips for Rotini and Ham Pasta Salad
- Rinse the cooked pasta under cool water to stop the cooking and prevent sticking.
- Adjust the mayonnaise based on how creamy you like the salad.
- Add extra vegetables such as peas, celery, or cherry tomatoes.
- Chill at least 1 hour before serving for the best flavor.
Recipe Variations
- Peas and cheddar. Add thawed peas and small cheddar cubes.
- Dill pickle version. Replace relish with chopped dill pickles and a splash of pickle juice.
- Greek-style. Swap olives for Kalamata and add feta cheese.
- Spicy twist. Add diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne.
- Lightened version. Use half mayonnaise and half Greek yogurt.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a main dish or side at picnics and potlucks.
- Pair with grilled chicken, burgers, or sandwiches.
- Add extra herbs or vegetables right before serving.
- Garnish with parsley or basil for freshness.
How to Store Pasta Salad
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Stir before serving.
Freeze: Not recommended; the mayonnaise dressing does not freeze well.
Rehydrate: Add a spoonful of mayonnaise or a splash of milk if the pasta absorbs the dressing.
Rotini and Ham Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rotini, or a similar pasta shape
- 1 tbsp kosher salt, for the pasta cooking water
- 8 ounces diced ham
- ½ cup chopped red onion
- ½ cup chopped bell pepper, red, green, or combination
- 1 (4-ounce) can sliced black olives, drained
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- ½ tsp fine salt , or to taste, for seasoning the salad
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ⅛ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 to 2 tbsp chopped basil (optional)
- 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- ¾ cup mayonnaise, or to taste
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil with 1 tablespoon of kosher salt. Add the rotini and cook according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large bowl.8 ounces rotini | 1 tbsp kosher salt
- Add the diced ham, onion, bell pepper, sliced olives, parsley, garlic powder, fine salt, freshly ground black pepper, and basil, if using. Toss to mix.8 ounces diced ham | 1/2 cup chopped red onion | 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper | 1 (4-ounce) can sliced black olives | 1 tbsp chopped parsley | 1/2 tsp fine salt | 1/2 tsp garlic powder | 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper | 1 to 2 tbsp chopped basil (optional)
- In a small bowl, combine the relish and mayonnaise; blend thoroughly. Add more mayonnaise, if needed.1 tbsp sweet pickle relish | 3/4 cup mayonnaise
Nutrition
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.
