This easy Ham and Cheddar Macaroni Salad is coated in a slightly sweetened mayonnaise dressing. It has just 6 ingredients plus salt and pepper, 6 steps to make, and 20 minutes to prepare, then chill.

Why I love this recipe

This delicious small-batch macaroni salad recipe makes a great side dish and serves 2 to 4 people.

Ham and Cheddar Macaroni Salad in a bowl. — Ham and Cheddar Macaroni Salad

As an Amazon Associate, I may make a small commission, at no additional cost, if you purchase through product affiliate links in this post.

Have you seen my Cookbook?

Easy Home Cooking For Two – by Zona Cooks features 60 main dish recipes giving you two months’ worth of simple homemade food that will impress any night of the week. NEW LOWER PRICE Check Cookbook Price

Substitutions and Additions

You can use store-bought diced ham, ham steak, or leftover ham.

Use any short pasta shape such as macaroni, small shells, penne, etc.

Try adding diced hard-boiled eggs, red onion, green onion, or bell peppers.

Equipment used for this recipe

How to make Ham and Cheddar Macaroni Salad

Step 1 – Cook the elbow macaroni in a saucepan according to package directions and then drain well. (If the ham and cheddar are not already cubed, dice them while the pasta cooks.)

Step 2 – Place the hot pasta in a medium bowl and pour in the apple cider vinegar, stirring to coat. Allow to cool a bit until the noodles are no longer steamy.

Step 3 – Add the chunks of ham and cubed cheddar cheese to the pasta.

elbow macaroni, diced cheddar cheese, and diced ham in a bowl.

Step 4 – Whisk together the mayo, brown sugar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

Step 5 – Fold the mayo dressing into the macaroni mixture, stirring to coat.

Step 6 – Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight. Stir before serving and adjust seasonings if needed. Enjoy!

Pro Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.

You may also enjoy

Ham and Cheddar Macaroni Salad

Zona House

This easy Ham and Cheddar Macaroni Salad is coated in a slightly sweetened mayonnaise dressing. It has just 6 ingredients plus salt and pepper, 6 steps to make, and 20 minutes to prepare, then chill. This delicious cold pasta salad is a small-batch recipe and serves 2 to 4 people.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Chill 1

Course Side Dishes

Cuisine American

Servings

Calories 477 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

▢ ½ cup uncooked elbow macaroni pasta
▢ 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
▢ 4 ounces diced ham
▢ 4 ounces cubed cheddar cheese
▢ ⅔ cup mayonnaise
▢ 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
▢ salt and black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Cook the elbow macaroni in a saucepan according to package directions and then drain well. (If the ham and cheddar are not already cubed, dice them while the pasta cooks.)
Place the hot pasta in a medium bowl and pour in the apple cider vinegar, stirring to coat. Allow to cool a bit until the noodles are no longer steamy.
Add the diced ham and cubed cheddar cheese to the pasta.
Whisk together the mayo, brown sugar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
Fold the mayo dressing into the macaroni mixture, stirring to coat.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight. Stir before serving and adjust seasonings if needed. Enjoy!

Notes

You can use store-bought diced ham, ham steak, or leftover ham.
Use any short pasta shape such as macaroni, small shell pasta, penne, etc.
Try adding diced hard-boiled eggs, red onion, green onion, or bell peppers.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 477kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 14gFat: 39gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 17gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 59mgSodium: 794mgPotassium: 75mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 308IUCalcium: 210mgIron: 1mg

Pin Recipe

Tried this recipe?Please consider !

Hi and welcome. I’m Zona and I have a passion for recipes. I share recipes, tips, tricks, and resources to help you cook for two. Eat, drink, and enjoy!