Name: Ham & Cheese Pasta Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 170 g 4 cups cooked elbow macaroni pasta, cooked according to package directions; 1 cup cheddar cheese (cubed); 1 1/2 cups cooked ham (cubed); 2 dill pickles (diced); 2 green onion stalks (diced); 1 cup mayonnaise; 2 Tbsp dill pickle juice; 1/2 tsp salt and pepper

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A lovely blend of tender pasta, savory ham, cheese, crunchy dill pickles, and a creamy, tangy dressing—this ham and cheese pasta salad is the perfect side dish for picnics, lunches, or your next BBQ!

Ham and cheese pasta salad recipe in a bowl.

This is absolutely the best ham and cheese pasta salad that you have ever had! Super easy to make, creamy, and seriously delicious.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Let’s Talk Pasta Salad!

I am a huge fan of pasta salads. I think they are the perfect summer staple. They pair well with all of the grilled things, like these venison steaks, smoked burgers, hot dogs, and grilled salmon.

Light, creamy, and packed with flavor, this ham and cheese pasta salad is exactly what I’m talking about. Whether I am meal prepping for the week, heading to a backyard BBQ, or just need a quick and easy side dish, this delicious recipe has got my back. Plus, it tastes even better the next day, so go ahead and make extra!

Ham and cheese pasta salad recipe on a plate and in a bowl.

If you think that this salad looks good, then you should definitely check out this Greek orzo salad, pasta Caesar salad, and dill pickle pasta salad.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This ham and cheese pasta salad is not only easy to make, but it’s also the perfect way to use up leftover ham and enjoy a flavorful, satisfying dish. It’s a crowd-pleaser that disappears fast at any gathering, and the best part is how versatile it is—you can swap in different cheeses, mix up the veggies, or use other pasta shapes for a fresh twist.

The creamy dressing ties everything together, making each bite as delicious as the last. Plus, it stores well in an airtight container, making it a great option for meal prep and enjoying over a few days!

Ham and Cheese Pasta Salad

Ingredients

Start with a few simple ingredients from the grocery store.

Elbow macaroni pasta, cooked according to package directions – The classic base for any good pasta salad.
Cheddar cheese, cubed – Cubing it ensures rich, cheesy goodness in every bite.
Cooked ham, cubed – Use ham steak or leftover ham for the perfect salty balance.
Dill pickles, diced – Provides an addictive crunch and tang.
Green onion stalks, diced – Adds a mild oniony flavor and a pop of color.
Mayonnaise – For the perfect creamy base for your dressing. I like to use Miracle Whip for extra tang, but you can use standard mayo as well.
Dill pickle juice – My secret weapon for extra flavor.
Salt and pepper – Because seasoning makes everything better.

Instructions

1. In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Add elbow pasta and cook for 10 minutes or until pasta is al dente. Drain the pasta, rinse with cold water, and allow to cool completely. This makes about 4 cups of cooked pasta.

Cubes of ham, cheese, and pickles in a bowl.

2. Dice the ham, cheese, pickles, and green onions.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cold pasta with the rest of the diced ingredients.

Ham and cheese pasta salad ingredients in a large bowl before mixing.

4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, pickle juice, salt, and pepper.

Ham and cheese pasta salad ingredients after mixing.

5. Pour the homemade dressing over the macaroni mixture and stir well. Let it chill for a couple of hours in an airtight container.

Ham and cheese pasta salad recipe topped with green onions before serving.

6. Top with extra green onion and serve.

A close-up image of the ham and cheese pasta salad recipe.

Each tangy bite of Miracle Whip, perfectly cooked pasta, ham, and cheese is even better the next day. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap, keep it in the fridge, and serve it with your next summer meal.

This delicious pasta salad recipe joins my classic potato salad in our summer salad rotation!

Macaroni Salad Options

While the original ham and cheese pasta salad recipe is a crowd-pleaser, you may want to mix it up!

Try adding Colby jack cheese, feta cheese, or mozzarella.
Switch up your protein with crispy bacon or chicken.
Use a different type of pasta, like bowtie pasta, shells, cavatappi, or orzo, for a different look.
Add red onion, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, or other fresh veggies for a whole different flavor.
Swap some of the mayo for sour cream or mix in a little ranch dressing.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice or lime juice to the dressing to brighten it up.

Tips and Tricks

This salad tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge, which allows the flavors to meld. Cover it with plastic wrap until you are ready to eat.
Cool the cooked pasta thoroughly before assembling the salad. Mixing warm pasta with the dressing can make it too soft.
Give everything a good stir just before serving, as the dressing may settle at the bottom.
Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent it from drying out.
This pasta salad is perfect for a picnic. Keep it chilled with an ice pack and enjoy it on the go!

Ham and cheese pasta salad recipe on a white plate.

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Kitchen Essentials for Cooking

These Rubbermaid containers are perfect for storing and packing food.
These silicone tongs are perfect for flipping and grasping food.
This Henckel Knife is my favorite for slicing and dicing in the kitchen.
I love using this non-stick bakeware for all of my baking.

Ham and cheese pasta salad recipe before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different dressing?
Absolutely! Try Italian dressing, apple cider vinegar, or even a mayonnaise-based dressing with a hint of pickle relish.

How long does pasta salad last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it’ll stay fresh for 3-5 days. The salad chills well and tastes even better over time!

What are the best add-ins?
Try red onion, frozen peas, fresh dill, or even feta cheese for a delicious way to mix things up.

Can I serve this salad at room temperature?
Yes, but it’s best cold. Keep it chilled in the fridge and take it out right before serving.

Quite honestly, this is one of my all-time favorite pasta salads for summer. It’s the perfect balance of creamy dressing and hearty pasta. I just love, love, love the flavor profile! It is sure to become one of your favorite summer salads too – a crowd-pleaser for certain!

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