Hey food lovers! 👋
Get ready to dive into the most amazing ham pasta salad recipe that’s about to become your new go-to for summer fun! Seriously, this isn't your average pasta salad. It's packed with so much flavor and texture, it's practically a party in a bowl!
Why This Recipe Rocks 🌟
Imagine juicy ham, crunchy bell peppers, zingy red onion, sweet pickles (yes, pickles!), and burst-in-your-mouth cherry tomatoes all tossed together with perfectly cooked penne pasta. Now, picture that all coated in a creamy, tangy dressing that'll make your taste buds sing. That’s what we’re talking about!
This salad is:
- Perfect for Picnics: Forget boring sandwiches; this is what your picnic basket has been waiting for.
- BBQ Buddy: It’s the ultimate sidekick to grilled burgers, chicken, or whatever you’re throwing on the barbie.
- Make-Ahead Marvel: You can whip this up the day before, and it’ll taste even better as the flavors meld overnight. Talk about a win-win!
- Customizable: Feel free to swap ingredients to your liking, it's super versatile.
The Secret Sauce 🤫
The real magic of this recipe lies in the dressing. Instead of using a plain mayo mix, we're adding a splash of pickle juice (don't throw it away!) and a touch of beef bouillon for a deep, savory flavor. It’s this little extra that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Get Cooking! 🧑🍳
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 lb cooked ham, cubed
- 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 large red onion, chopped
- 15 small sweet pickles, chopped (juice reserved!)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 1/2 teaspoons beef bouillon granules
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
How to Make It:
- Cook the pasta: Boil the penne until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Chop It Up: In a big bowl, combine the pasta with ham, bell peppers, red onion, pickles, and tomatoes. It's like a rainbow of deliciousness! 🌈
- Make the Dressing: In a smaller bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream, beef bouillon, vinegar, salt, pepper, garlic, and about 1/2 cup of that reserved pickle juice. Give it a good mix and watch the magic happen.
- Combine & Chill: Pour the dressing over the salad, toss gently, and chill in the fridge overnight. Or, if you’re like me, eat it immediately! 😉
Tips and Tricks for Pasta Perfection ✨
- Fresh is Best: Use the freshest veggies for the best taste.
- Don't Skimp on the Chill Time: If you have the patience, let the salad chill for at least a couple of hours, or even better, overnight, this makes the flavors pop even more!
- Get Creative: Add in some cooked chicken or turkey for extra protein. Throw in some olives or artichoke hearts for added zest.
- Healthy Swaps: Use light mayo or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
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Final Thoughts 🤔
This ham pasta salad is a summer must-have. It's vibrant, tasty, and oh-so-easy to make. Perfect for any gathering, or just a delicious meal for you! So, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and get ready to enjoy the best ham pasta salad you've ever had!
Happy cooking! ❤️