Ham and Cheddar Macaroni Salad

Creamy, tangy, and packed with texture, this Ham and Cheddar Macaroni Salad is the ultimate side dish for any occasion. Perfectly cooked elbow macaroni serves as the base, tossed in a rich dressing made with mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and a subtle splash of apple cider vinegar for a zesty kick. Diced ham brings savory goodness, while cubes of sharp cheddar cheese add bursts of flavor. Crunchy celery, sweet red bell pepper, and finely diced red onion lend vibrant color and satisfying crunch to every bite. Garnished with fresh parsley (optional) and chilled to perfection, this easy-to-make pasta salad is ideal for picnics, potlucks, and weeknight meals. Simple, flavorful, and family-friendly—this recipe is a sure crowd-pleaser!

Nutriscore Rating: 55/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups Elbow macaroni
• 1 cup Cooked ham, diced
• 1 cup Cheddar cheese, cubed
• 1 cup Celery, finely chopped
• 0.5 cup Red bell pepper, diced
• 0.25 cup Red onion, finely diced
• 0.75 cup Mayonnaise
• 0.25 cup Sour cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Sugar
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Chopped parsley (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions for al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and well blended.

Step 3

Add the cooked and cooled macaroni to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly.

Step 4

Stir in the diced ham, cubed cheddar cheese, chopped celery, diced red bell pepper, and finely diced red onion. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 5

If desired, fold in chopped parsley for a fresh, herby flavor.

Step 6

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 7

Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and taste to adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 8

Serve cold and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1246.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3620.2

Total Fat 238.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 75.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 599.1mg	0%
Sodium 6643.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 223.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.5g	0%
Total Sugars 27.8g
Protein 145.5g	0%

Vitamin D 51.3IU	0%
Calcium 1900.7mg	0%
Iron 11.1mg	0%
Potassium 1595.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 59.3%

Protein: 16.1%

Carbs: 24.6%