Best 7 Picnic Pasta And Ham Salad Recipes

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**Picnic Pasta and Ham Salad: A Delightful Duo for Summer Gatherings**

As the sun shines brightly and the air fills with the scent of blooming flowers, it's time to embrace the joys of outdoor dining. Our picnic pasta and ham salad recipes are a match made in culinary heaven, offering a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and make your picnic spread the envy of all.

Indulge in the delightful simplicity of our classic ham salad, a timeless recipe that combines succulent ham, crisp celery, sweet pickles, and a creamy mayonnaise dressing. Spread it generously on soft slices of bread or crackers for a satisfying sandwich or appetizer.

For a heartier option, dive into our pasta and ham salad, a vibrant medley of al dente pasta, tender ham, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing. This versatile dish can be served warm or chilled, making it perfect for picnics, potlucks, or backyard barbecues.

Whether you prefer the classic ham salad or the vibrant pasta and ham salad, these recipes are sure to be a hit at your next outdoor gathering. Pack them up in a charming picnic basket, spread out a blanket in a scenic spot, and savor the delicious flavors of summer with friends and family.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

CLASSIC PICNIC PASTA SALAD



Classic Picnic Pasta Salad image

Bulk up this delicious pasta salad with broccoli, peas, ham and provolone.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 30m

Yield 4-6

Number Of Ingredients 14

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
3 tablespoons sour cream
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 cup bite-sized broccoli florets
8 ounces dried fusilli pasta
1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
1/2 cup diced ham
1/2 cup diced provolone
1/4 cup sliced pitted black olives
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1/4 cup diced salami

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Whisk the mayonnaise, parsley, sour cream, chives, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper together in a large bowl.
  • Cook the broccoli in the boiling water until crisp-tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the water with a slotted spoon and transfer to a colander. Run under cold water to stop the cooking process. Add the broccoli to the bowl with the dressing.
  • Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions. Three minutes before the pasta is done, add the peas to the pot. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Add to the bowl.
  • Add the ham, provolone, olives, onion and salami to the bowl and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. The pasta salad is best if served right away.

30-MINUTE HAM AND PASTA SALAD



30-Minute Ham and Pasta Salad image

Turn leftover ham into the main attraction, with plenty of fresh veggies and yummy pasta tossed with ranch dressing.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 30m

Yield 9

Number Of Ingredients 11

3 cups uncooked small shell pasta (12 oz)
2 cups frozen sweet peas
3 cups diced cooked ham
1 cup sliced celery
1 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/2 cup dill pickle relish, drained
8 oz Colby-Monterey Jack cheese blend, diced (2 cups)
3/4 cup mayonnaise
3/4 cup ranch salad dressing
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Cook and drain pasta as directed on package, adding peas during last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking time. Rinse with cold water to cool. Drain well.
  • Meanwhile, in large bowl, mix ham, celery, bell pepper, pickle relish and cheese. In small bowl, mix remaining ingredients.
  • Add pasta and peas to salad; stir gently to mix. Add mayonnaise mixture; toss to coat. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until serving time.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 600, Carbohydrate 40 g, Cholesterol 65 mg, Fat 4 1/2, Fiber 3 g, Protein 24 g, SaturatedFat 10 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 1470 mg, Sugar 4 g, TransFat 0 g

HAM MACARONI SALAD



Ham Macaroni Salad image

A delicious blend of flavors and colors. The perfect picnic or BBQ ham macaroni salad!

Provided by Jennifer

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Macaroni Salad Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 cups elbow macaroni
4 slices ham, cut into small pieces
½ cup cubed Cheddar cheese
¼ cup chopped celery
¼ cup chopped green onions
3 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 ½ teaspoons prepared yellow mustard
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and rinse with cool water. Pat dry with a paper towel.
  • Combine pasta, ham, Cheddar cheese, celery, green onions, relish, mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper in a bowl and mix well.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 201.3 calories, Carbohydrate 22.2 g, Cholesterol 18.3 mg, Fat 8.7 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 8.4 g, SaturatedFat 3.2 g, Sodium 336.2 mg, Sugar 2.6 g

PICNIC PASTA AND HAM SALAD



Picnic Pasta and Ham Salad image

I got this off of a PC program call 1,000,000 recipes. This was a great hit at work. I used a small bag of frozen peas then microwaved per instrutions. Baked ham slice, then cut.

Provided by Pandora

Categories     < 30 Mins

Time 25m

Yield 7 cups, 7 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 1/4 cups mayonnaise
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 lb cooked ham, cut in 1/2-inch cubes (2 c.)
1 cucumber, peeled,halved lengthwise and sliced
1 cup frozen peas, thawed and drained
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 1/2 cups cooked and drained elbow macaroni

Steps:

  • In large bowl, stir together mayonnaise, salt and pepper.
  • Add ham, cooked macaroni, cucumber, peas and onion.
  • Toss to coat well.
  • Cover and refrigerate until well chilled (several hours).

THE PERFECT PICNIC PASTA SALAD



The Perfect Picnic Pasta Salad image

Pasta salad is almost always the most disappointing side dish at the picnic or cookout, but this recipe shows you how to transform what is normally an "afterthought" to a dish that's good enough to enjoy on its own, or as the perfect complement to grilled meat. Top this with extra fresh chopped herbs if you like.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     100+ Pasta and Noodle Recipes     Pasta by Shape Recipes

Time 3h45m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 22

3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
¼ cup cider vinegar
¼ cup rice vinegar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons white sugar
1 pinch cayenne pepper
1 cup olive oil
2 teaspoons chopped fresh tarragon
2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill
2 teaspoons chopped fresh Italian parsley
1 teaspoon chopped fresh chives
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1 pound rotini (corkscrew) pasta
1 cup sliced snow peas
1 cup thinly sliced carrots
½ cup shelled English peas
1 cup broccoli florets
½ cup diced bell peppers
1 cup sliced cherry tomatoes
¼ cup finely diced red onion
2 tablespoons sliced green onions
1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste

Steps:

  • Whisk Dijon mustard, cider vinegar, rice vinegar, salt, sugar, and cayenne together in a large bowl for about 30 seconds. Whisk in olive oil in 1-teaspoon increments until emulsified. Whisk in tarragon, dill, parsley, chives, and thyme. Remove and reserve 1/2 of the dressing in a separate small bowl.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; cook rotini at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Add snow peas, carrots, peas, and broccoli about 2 minutes before the pasta is done. Drain pasta and veggies well, but do not rinse.
  • Transfer hot pasta mixture to the vinaigrette in the large mixing bowl and toss well to combine. Let rest for 5 minutes and toss again. Toss occasionally until the mixture is almost room temperature, 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Add bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, green onions, salt, and the reserved dressing and toss well.
  • Wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 hours before serving. Toss and adjust seasoning before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 491.9 calories, Carbohydrate 50.9 g, Fat 28.1 g, Fiber 3.9 g, Protein 9.1 g, SaturatedFat 3.9 g, Sodium 641.6 mg, Sugar 5.3 g

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

PASTA & HAM SALAD



Pasta & Ham Salad image

This salad is the perfect choice for a family gathering or pot luck. A pasta salad with ham, fresh grapes, cheese, and a creamy dill dressing. There isn't any reason you couldn't add other favorite salad ingredients...small grape tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, etc. Or...How about cubed grilled chicken and pineapple tibbits? The variations are endless...so please leave your suggestions...I love salads and variety.

Provided by Sandylee

Categories     Ham

Time 30m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 3/4 cups farfalle pasta
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons prepared dijon-style mustard
1 teaspoon white sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried dill weed
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups green seedless grapes, halved
2 cups diced ham
1/2 cup chopped green onion
1 1/2 cups diced cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling water until al dente. Drain, and rinse in cold water.
  • In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, cider vinegar, mustard, sugar, black pepper, dill weed, and salt.
  • In a large bowl, combine pasta, grapes, ham, green onions, and cheese. Toss with dressing. Cover, and chill overnight or for at least 6 hours.

Tips:

  • Prep in Advance: To save time at the picnic, cook and chill the pasta and ham salad the night before or early in the day.
  • Choose the Right Pasta: Use a short pasta shape like penne, rotini, or macaroni for the salad. These shapes hold the sauce and toppings well.
  • Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, but drain it a minute or two before the recommended time. This will prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
  • Rinse the Pasta: After draining the pasta, rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent the pasta from sticking together.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh vegetables, herbs, and cheese in the salad. If possible, buy organic ingredients.
  • Season to Taste: Don't be afraid to adjust the seasonings in the salad to your liking. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
  • Pack the Salad Properly: Pack the pasta salad in an airtight container. If you're transporting the salad in a cooler, place it in a sealed plastic bag to prevent it from getting soggy.

Conclusion:

Picnic pasta and ham salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that's perfect for summer gatherings. With its combination of cooked pasta, ham, vegetables, and a creamy dressing, this salad is sure to be a hit with everyone at your picnic. So next time you're planning a picnic, be sure to give this recipe a try!

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