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–+ servings

Loaded Pasta Salad

overhead shot of Loaded Pasta Salad in a bowl
This loaded pasta salad is packed with plenty of flavor and fresh ingredients that add the perfect pop of color that will be irresistible.
Prep Time 20 mins
Chill Time 1 hr
Total Time 1 hr 20 mins
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 501 kcal

Ingredients
  

Dressing

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper

Salad

  • 1 pound rotini pasta, cooked al dente
  • 1 cup small diced cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup fully cooked chunk ham, diced
  • ½ cup finely diced sweet yellow onion
  • ½ cup frozen sweet peas, thawed
  • 1 seeded and diced red bell pepper

Instructions
 

Dressing

  • Using a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper. Cover and keep in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Salad

  • Using a large mixing bowl, stir together the cooked pasta, diced ham, diced onion, thawed peas, and diced red bell pepper. Stir to completely combine.
  • Pour the dressing over the top of the salad and stir to incorporate the dressing and the salad. Cover tightly and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour before serving.

Notes

  • Make sure you don’t overcook the pasta, or it will fall apart in your salad if it is too soft.
  • Rinsing the cooked pasta in cold water after draining is best when making a cold pasta salad recipe. It stops the pasta from cooking, and it keeps the pasta loose for the salad.
  • Don’t skip the chilling time. This will allow all of the flavors to mingle together for the best flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 501kcalCarbohydrates: 49gProtein: 14gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 13gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 34mgSodium: 759mgPotassium: 211mgFiber: 3gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 696IUVitamin C: 23mgCalcium: 121mgIron: 1mg