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.
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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.
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.
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Ham and Cheddar Macaroni Salad
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
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!
Zona House
Monday 26th of August 2024
This mac salad is super easy and delicious!