Macaroni Salad with Ham and Cheese 

This Macaroni Salad with Ham and Cheese is a delightful and satisfying dish, perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a comforting meal on its own. Combining tender elbow macaroni with savory ham, sharp cheddar cheese, and a creamy dressing, it's a crowd-pleaser that's both flavorful and versatile. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or herbs to make it your own.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Pasta & Main Ingredients

• 3 cups dry elbow macaroni

• 2 cups diced ham (preferably honey baked for extra flavor)

• 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed

Fresh Vegetables

• 1 cup diced celery

• 1 cup diced red bell pepper

• ½ cup finely chopped red onion

Dressing

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Optional Add Ins

• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

• ½ cup sliced black olives

• 1 cup cubed Colby cheese

• ¼ cup sweet relish

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

2. Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.

3. Chop the Ingredients: Dice the ham and cheddar cheese into small, bite sized pieces. Chop the celery, red bell pepper, and red onion as desired.

4. Combine the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, diced ham, shredded cheddar cheese, peas, chopped vegetables, and optional add ins like parsley or olives.

5. Add the Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.

6. Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: Approximately 259 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 29 g

• Protein: 14 g

• Fat: 10 g

• Saturated Fat: 4 g

• Cholesterol: 38 mg

• Sodium: 966 mg

• Potassium: 75 mg

• Fiber: 3 g

• Sugar: 7 g