I love summertime. It’s the season of backyard BBQs, picnics, beach days, and lots of outdoor fun in the sun. Sometimes we eat lighter meals like cold pasta salads and other times, I’m looking for a delicious side dish to contribute to a potluck. One recipe that I reach for time and again is this Perfect Creamy Macaroni Pasta Salad Recipe. I got it from a friend who served it at her daughter’s grad party. People were going crazy over it! I had to agree that it’s super yummy and a great addition to many meals.
Perfect Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 7 ounces approximately 2 cups macaroni rings pasta
- 1/4 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 cups chopped ham
- 1 1/2 cups miracle whip or mayo
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
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Cook macaroni rings according to box instructions. You’ll want to cook al dente.
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Once done, rinse quickly with cool water to stop the cooking. Set aside.
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Dice 1/4 cup onion into the smallest sized pieces possible. Place in a medium sized bowl.
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Chop the celery into tiny little pieces and add to the bowl.
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Cut up 2 cups of deli ham into bite sized pieces and add to the bowl.
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Add the 1 cup cheddar cheese, 1 cup frozen peas, and cooked pasta to the bowl. Set aside.
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In a small bowl, mix the 1 1/2 cups miracle whip, 3/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup vinegar, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon vinegar. Beat well until fully combined.
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Drizzle the dressing mixture over the bowl of ingredients. Gently stir until fully incorporated.
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Cover and chill for at least 1 hour. Then serve.
- Macaroni Rings
- Onion
- Celery
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- Frozen Peas
- Chopped Ham
- Miracle Whip (or Mayo)
- Sugar
- Vinegar
- Salt
- Pepper
- Cook macaroni rings according to box instructions. You'll want to cook al dente.
- Once done, rinse quickly with cool water to stop the cooking. Set aside.
- Dice ¼ cup onion into the smallest sized pieces possible. Place in a medium sized bowl.
- Chop the celery into tiny little pieces and add to the bowl.
- Cut up 2 cups of deli ham into bite sized pieces and add to the bowl.
- Add the 1 cup cheddar cheese, 1 cup frozen peas, and cooked pasta to the bowl. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix the 1½ cups miracle whip, ¾ cup sugar, ¼ cup vinegar, 1 teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon vinegar. Beat well until fully combined.
- Drizzle the dressing mixture over the bowl of ingredients. Gently stir until fully incorporated.
- Cover and chill for at least 1 hour. Then serve.
This Perfect Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe Is The Perfect Side Dish To Serve For:
- Potlucks
- Picnics
- Grilling
- Baby Showers
- Bridal Showers
- House Warming Parties
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I’m a city girl turned country by my awesome husband and we have three busy boys and two darling daughters. I love spending time with my family, reading Karen Kingsbury novels, and catching up with friends while our kiddos have play dates. I’m blessed beyond measure and can’t wait to see what God has in store.
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This post currently has 7 responses.
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Lauryn R
I absolutely LOVE pasta salad and am always looking for new recipes to try. I will definitely be making this ASAP, thank you so much for sharing the recipe.
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Anne Perry
A great side dish to bring to parties. I like pasta salad with italian dressing.
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Maria Egan
This pasta salad would quickly become a favorite for my family.
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vickie duncan
that looks so good,id omit the peas,but would stilll taste great
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Sandy C.
This looks SO good! We are big pasta salad fans here, all year round. This is awesome, but I have to say I’ve never seen those little pasta rings before, time to go on a hunt for them!
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Thomas Gibson
It sounds like you have a go-to recipe for the summer season that is always a hit at potlucks and parties. A creamy macaroni salad is the perfect side dish for all those backyard BBQs and beach days. It’s a true classic that everyone loves!
This looks delicious! I am always looking for new recipes! Thanks for sharing!