Creamy Pasta Salad with Ham and Veggies

This looks like a delicious Creamy Pasta Salad with vegetables, ham, and possibly a mayonnaise-based dressing. Here’s a simple and tasty recipe to recreate it:

Creamy Pasta Salad with Ham and Veggies

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

  • 2 cups cooked pasta (macaroni, ditalini, or shells)
  • 1 cup diced cooked ham
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or chopped
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives
  • 1 cup chopped cucumber
  • 1 cup chopped bell peppers (mix of red, green, and yellow)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce or iceberg (optional for crunch)
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery

For the Dressing:

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water. Let it cool.
  2. Prep ingredients by chopping all vegetables and ham into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Mix the dressing in a separate bowl by whisking together mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, mustard, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and sugar.
  4. Combine everything in a large bowl: pasta, vegetables, ham, cheese, and lettuce.
  5. Add the dressing and toss until everything is well coated.
  6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.

Would you like a lighter version of the dressing or a vegetarian variation?

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