Macaroni salad is a timeless dish that graces tables at picnics, potlucks, and family dinners alike. It’s versatile, satisfying, and can be customized to suit any palate. Adding ham to the mix transforms this dish into a hearty and flavorful meal. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to create a creamy, vibrant, and delicious macaroni salad with ham that’s sure to become a favorite.
The Allure of Macaroni Salad
Macaroni salad combines cooked pasta with fresh vegetables, proteins, and a creamy dressing to create a refreshing and comforting dish. Its versatility makes it a canvas for a variety of ingredients, with ham being a standout choice for its smoky, salty flavor that complements the creamy dressing and crunchy vegetables.
This recipe emphasizes balance, ensuring every bite offers a medley of textures and tastes. The ham adds protein and substance, making the salad suitable as a side dish or even a light main course.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a handy table with ingredients listed in both US customary and metric measurements for your convenience:
| Ingredient | US Measurement | Metric Measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Elbow macaroni | 2 cups | 200 g |
| Cooked ham (cubed) | 1 ½ cups | 225 g |
| Mayonnaise | 1 cup | 240 ml |
| Sour cream | ½ cup | 120 ml |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tbsp | 15 ml |
| White vinegar | 1 tbsp | 15 ml |
| Sugar | 1 tsp | 5 g |
| Salt | 1 tsp | 5 g |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp | 2 g |
| Celery (chopped) | 1 cup | 100 g |
| Red bell pepper (chopped) | ½ cup | 75 g |
| Red onion (diced) | ½ cup | 75 g |
| Frozen peas (thawed) | 1 cup | 150 g |
| Hard-boiled eggs (chopped) | 3 | – |
| Fresh parsley (chopped) | 2 tbsp | 10 g |
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Macaroni Salad with Ham
1. Prepare the Macaroni
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool and stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Dressing
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, white vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
3. Chop and Prep Ingredients
- While the pasta cools, dice the ham, celery, red bell pepper, and red onion.
- Chop the parsley and hard-boiled eggs.
- Thaw the peas by placing them in a colander and running cool water over them.
4. Combine Ingredients
- In the large mixing bowl with the dressing, gently fold in the cooked macaroni, ham, celery, red bell pepper, red onion, peas, and hard-boiled eggs.
- Toss until everything is evenly coated in the dressing.
5. Chill the Salad
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the macaroni salad for at least 2 hours before serving. This step allows the flavors to meld and the salad to develop its full taste profile.
6. Garnish and Serve
- Before serving, sprinkle the salad with chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant touch.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Customize Your Add-Ins: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like shredded carrots, diced cucumbers, or sweet corn for added texture and flavor.
- Use Quality Ham: A good-quality cooked ham will elevate the overall taste of the salad.
- Make It Ahead: This salad is even better the next day, making it a perfect dish for meal prep or events.
- Control the Creaminess: Adjust the amount of mayonnaise and sour cream to achieve your desired level of creaminess.
Why This Recipe Works
This macaroni salad balances flavors and textures, with the creamy dressing complementing the crunch of fresh vegetables and the rich taste of ham. The hard-boiled eggs add a touch of richness, while the peas contribute a subtle sweetness. The dish is a crowd-pleaser that works for almost any occasion.
Storage Instructions
Store the macaroni salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Stir before serving to redistribute the dressing. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the pasta and dressing may change.
Pairing Suggestions
Macaroni salad with ham pairs beautifully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or even as a stand-alone meal. A refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade makes an excellent accompaniment.
By following this guide, you’ll create a macaroni salad with ham that is creamy, flavorful, and utterly satisfying. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress at any gathering or simply bring joy to your weeknight dinner table.
