Best 6 Pesto Salad With Smoked Ham And Penne Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Indulge in a symphony of flavors with our delectable Pesto Salad with Smoked Ham and Penne, a culinary masterpiece that tantalizes your taste buds. This vibrant salad features a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, with perfectly cooked penne pasta tossed in a zesty pesto sauce, succulent smoked ham, crisp bell peppers, fresh cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. Each bite offers a delightful burst of flavors, from the tangy pesto to the smoky ham and the sweetness of the tomatoes. Served chilled, this refreshing salad is perfect for a light lunch, a flavorful side dish, or a delightful appetizer.

In addition to the main recipe, we also present a collection of complementary recipes that elevate your culinary experience. Discover the art of crafting homemade pesto with our classic Pesto Sauce recipe. Learn how to make tender and flavorful Smoked Ham from scratch, ensuring the finest quality and taste. For a delightful side dish, try our refreshing Bell Pepper Salad, a colorful medley of bell peppers tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. And to satisfy your sweet cravings, indulge in our delectable Cherry Tomato Confit, a luscious combination of tomatoes slow-cooked in a sweet and savory syrup.

With detailed instructions and helpful tips, these recipes guide you through each step of the process, ensuring success in your culinary endeavors. Elevate your meals with our carefully curated selection of recipes, and embark on a journey of culinary delight.

Let's cook with our recipes!

PENNE WITH PESTO



Penne with Pesto image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 large bunch fresh basil
2 cloves garlic
1/4 cup pine nuts
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
Freshly ground black pepper
1 pound penne rigate or other ridged small tube pasta

Steps:

  • Meanwhile, pluck the basil leaves from the stems (you should have about 2 cups leaves). Wash the leaves in a large bowl of cold water and dry in a salad spinner or pat dry with paper towels. Smash and peel the garlic.
  • Put the basil, garlic, and pine nuts in a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped. With the processor running, gradually add the olive oil and process until the pesto is smooth. Transfer the pesto to a large bowl and stir in the cheese. Season with the salt and some pepper.
  • Bring a large pot of cold water to a boil over high heat and salt it generously. Add the penne and boil, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain in a colander and save about 1/4 cup pasta cooking water. Add the pasta to the bowl. Use tongs and toss with enough of the cooking water so the pesto coats the pasta evenly. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.
  • Upgrades: a. Make the pesto creamy by adding 1/4 cup ricotta cheese when processing the basil, garlic, and pine nuts. This is great with tortellini or ravioli. b. Top dressed pesto pasta with 1/2 pound diced large or halved small fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), 3 medium tomatoes cut in large chunks, and 1/2 cup pitted black olives, (we like kalamata for this), roughly chopped. c. Add cooked 1 to 2 cups chicken or shrimp.
  • Twists on Pesto: In place of basil, try the following combination: 1 cup parsley, 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves, 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves. Substitute walnuts for the pine nuts

HAM PASTA SALAD



Ham Pasta Salad image

Full of simple and fresh ingredients, this ham pasta salad is the perfect side dish for your next cookout, an easy option for a light weeknight dinner, or a refreshing make-ahead lunch.

Provided by Blair Lonergan

Categories     Dinner     Lunch     Salad     Side Dish

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 lb. diced ham ((about 2 ½ - 3 cups total))
8 ounces uncooked small shells pasta ((or substitute with elbow macaroni or other small pasta shape))
8 ounces Colby-Jack or cheddar cheese, diced
¼ cup chopped green onion
1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 cup diced celery
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
2 tablespoons fresh minced dill
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
  • In a large bowl, combine ham, pasta, cheese, green onion, bell pepper, celery, and peas.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, vinegar, sugar, dill, salt, and pepper.
  • Pour dressing over pasta mixture and toss until completely coated. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper, if necessary.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 /8 of the salad, Calories 493 kcal, Carbohydrate 27 g, Protein 22 g, Fat 33 g, SaturatedFat 9 g, TransFat 1 g, Cholesterol 72 mg, Sodium 1252 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 5 g, UnsaturatedFat 20 g

PESTO PASTA SALAD



Pesto Pasta Salad image

Provided by Food Network

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 12

1/2 cup macadamia nuts, lightly toasted
3 cloves garlic
1 1/2 cups cilantro leaves
1/2 cup goat cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 to 2 jalapenos, seeded and roughly chopped
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 pound orecchiette pasta, cooked
Parmesan cheese (optional)
4 plum tomatoes, diced

Steps:

  • Combine all ingredients for pesto sauce in food processor, except olive oil and lime juice. Pulse to a rough paste, then pulse in olive oil and lime juice. Toss with cooked, cooled pasta and Parmesan. Fold in 3 chopped tomatoes, and scatter 4th tomato over top of pasta.

PRETTY PENNE HAM SKILLET



Pretty Penne Ham Skillet image

I'm a busy nurse, so fast meals are a must. This pasta is a tasty change of pace from potato-ham casseroles. -Kathy Stephan, West Seneca, New York

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 package (16 ounces) penne pasta
1/4 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons butter
3 cups cubed fully cooked ham
1 large sweet red pepper, finely chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
1-1/2 teaspoons minced fresh basil or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1-1/2 teaspoons minced fresh oregano or 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) chicken broth
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add ham, red pepper and onion; cook and stir 4-6 minutes or until ham is browned and vegetables are tender. Add garlic and herbs; cook 1-2 minutes longer., Stir in broth and lemon juice. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 10-15 minutes or until liquid is reduced by half. Add pasta; toss to combine. Sprinkle with cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 567 calories, Fat 24g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 57mg cholesterol, Sodium 1344mg sodium, Carbohydrate 62g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 27g protein.

SMOKED ALMOND PESTO SPAGHETTI



Smoked Almond Pesto Spaghetti image

Smoked almonds lend their signature salty, smoky flavor to this unique weeknight pesto pasta. The sauce is reinforced with smoked paprika for extra depth and brightened with a generous amount of fresh, herbaceous parsley. Peas are added to the pasta during the last couple minutes of cooking; broccoli florets would also work nicely. The versatile sauce can be doubled and stored in the fridge for about 5 days. It's great on roasted chicken, fried eggs or even potato salad.

Provided by Kay Chun

Categories     weeknight, pastas, main course

Time 20m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

Kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal) and black pepper
1 pound spaghetti
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen peas
3/4 cup/4 ounces smoked almonds
2 garlic cloves
1 1/2 packed cups/1½ ounces fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish
1 packed cup/1 ounce flat-leaf parsley leaves
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus more for garnish
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
3/4 cup neutral oil, such as safflower or canola
2 tablespoons lemon juice

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, adding fresh peas during the last 2 minutes of cooking or frozen peas during the last minute. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain pasta and peas.
  • Meanwhile, in a food processor, combine almonds and garlic, and pulse until finely chopped. Add basil, parsley, cheese and paprika. With the machine running, drizzle in oil until well blended and a thick sauce forms. Transfer pesto to a large bowl, stir in lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
  • Add cooked pasta and ½ cup of the reserved pasta water to the bowl, and season with salt and pepper. Toss to evenly coat pasta in the pesto, then season again as needed. (Add more pasta water if a thinner consistency is desired.)
  • Divide pasta among bowls and garnish with additional cheese and basil.

SMOKED HAM AND PENNE PASTA SALAD



Smoked Ham and Penne Pasta Salad image

The simplest of pasta salads from the side panel of a jar of light mayonnaise (store brand). This is a basic recipe that lends itself to variations of your choice.

Provided by threeovens

Categories     Ham

Time 10m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 lb small penne pasta, cooked drained and cooled
2 cups smoked ham, 1/4 inch strips
1/2 cup onion, sliced thin
1/2 cup light mayonnaise
1/3 cup honey mustard
kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, toss together pasta, ham, and onions; season with salt and pepper.
  • In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise and mustard.
  • Fold into pasta.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 556.5, Fat 14.3, SaturatedFat 2, Cholesterol 10.5, Sodium 423.1, Carbohydrate 100.6, Fiber 13.1, Sugar 5.8, Protein 9.1

Tips:

- For the best pesto, use fresh basil leaves. If you don't have access to fresh basil, you can use dried basil, but the flavor will be less intense. - To make the pesto ahead of time, simply blend all of the ingredients together and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. - When choosing smoked ham, look for a ham that is not too salty. You can also use prosciutto or speck in place of the smoked ham. - If you don't have penne pasta, you can use another short pasta, such as rotini or fusilli. - To make the salad more substantial, add some cooked chicken or shrimp. - For a vegetarian version of the salad, omit the smoked ham and add some roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers.

Conclusion:

This pesto salad with smoked ham and penne is a delicious and easy-to-make meal. It's perfect for a light lunch or dinner, and it's also great for potlucks and picnics. The pesto dressing is flavorful and creamy, and the smoked ham adds a nice salty flavor to the salad. The penne pasta adds a bit of heartiness, and the fresh vegetables make the salad light and refreshing.

Related Topics