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Awesome Ham Pasta Salad

I never seem to make enough of this salad. When people see the recipe, they look at me as if I am a little odd...but when they eat it they can't seem to stop! This recipe is great for kids and adults alike. The garlic is optional. Also, to lighten up the salad, substitute light mayonnaise, light sour cream, and turkey ham.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 6 people
Calories 3885.2 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Stockpot For cooking pasta
  • 1 Colander For draining pasta
  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl For combining salad ingredients
  • 1 Small Mixing Bowl For preparing dressing
  • 1 Whisk For emulsifying dressing

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 8 ounces ziti pasta
  • 1 pound cooked ham cubed
  • 1 large red bell pepper cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 1 large green bell pepper cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 1 large red onion coarsely chopped
  • 15 small sweet pickles chopped, juice reserved
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 2 ½ teaspoons beef bouillon granules
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic minced

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
  • In a large bowl, mix together the drained pasta, ham, peppers, onion, pickles and tomatoes.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, beef bouillon granules, vinegar, salt, pepper, garlic and 1/2 cup of reserved pickle juice. Fold into the salad and toss gently until evenly coated. Chill overnight to allow the flavors to blend. Serve near room temperature.

Notes

Chilling the salad overnight is crucial; it allows the robust flavors of the ham, vegetables, and dressing to meld, creating a more harmonious and delicious result. Ensure your pasta is cooked al dente to maintain a pleasant texture that won't become mushy when coated with the dressing. The reserved pickle juice and beef bouillon granules are key for depth of flavor and a tangy-savory balance; don't skip them. For best results, use good quality cooked ham and fresh, crisp bell peppers. Serving the salad near room temperature enhances the flavor perception compared to serving it straight from the fridge.