4 Ingredient Pasta Salad

This easy 4 ingredient pasta salad recipe combines al dente pasta with cubed ham, cheddar cheese, and a lightly seasoned, creamy mayo dressing. It's a quick, simple, and delicious fuss-free side dish for any occasion!

The Best Easy Pasta Salad

When it comes to making cold pasta salad, it doesn't get much more convenient than this easy pasta salad recipe.

It has just 4 basic ingredients but tastes just as good, if not better, than a classic pasta salad. It has perfectly cooked penne pasta tossed in creamy seasoned mayo. Then it's taken up a notch with the addition of cubed ham and cheddar cheese. 

This quick and easy pasta salad is just so hearty, satisfying, and just absolutely delicious. It's the best pasta salad for a warm summer day, an easy lunch, or when you don't feel like running out to the store.

As good as this four ingredient pasta salad is alone, it's even better served on the side with these Jamaican fried dumplings or some grit cakes.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Easy to customize. You can swap the cheese, add ingredients, use different noodles, or switch up the dressing however you want. The possibilities are endless!

It's easy and quick to make. Cook the noodles, combine the ingredients in a bowl, and serve. You can have this simple pasta salad recipe done in 10 minutes!

Perfect make-ahead recipe. Storing pasta salad is easy. Just prepare the pasta salad in the morning and store it in the fridge until you're ready to serve.

Crowd-favorite. Anyone who likes pasta salad always loves this recipe. I always make it if I'm hosting since I know it'll be a hit, and even the picky eaters like it! 

Ingredients

One of the best things about this pasta salad with ham and cheese is that you only need 4 ingredients, and those ingredients are:

• 14 oz. penne pasta
• 1 cup cubed cheddar cheese
• 1 cup cubed ham
• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• Salt and pepper

If you're grabbing the pasta and mayo from the store, grab some extra so you can use them to make this seafood pasta salad next.  It's another one of the best pasta salad recipes you can make! 

How To Make Pasta Salad With 4 Ingredients

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente. This should take around 8 minutes or more. Make sure to look at the package instructions and frequently check as the pasta cooks. Strain the water from the cooked pasta and let it cool for a few minutes. 

2. Mix the pasta salad: Add the cooked and cooled pasta to a large bowl with the cheddar cheese, ham, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir until it fully combines. Taste the pasta salad and adjust seasonings as needed.

3. Serve or refrigerate: Either serve the creamy pasta salad immediately or store it in the fridge until you're ready to serve. Enjoy!

Tips To Make The Best Recipe

• Cook the pasta to al dente, so it doesn't get mushy.
• Run the cooked pasta under cold water so it cools off faster.
• Try switching up the cheese and use feta cheese, parmesan cheese, or fresh mozzarella cheese for a different flavor.
• Add fresh herbs, like fresh basil, fresh parsley, or sliced green onions, for a pop of color.
• Add veggies like cherry tomatoes, sun dried tomatoes, bell peppers, or black olives to make a healthier pasta salad.
• Experiment with adding ingredients to the creamy dressing. You can add some Italian dressing to make an Italian pasta salad or Greek dressing for a Greek pasta salad.

How To Store Pasta Salad

In the fridge: Store the leftover pasta salad in an airtight container or cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. It'll last in the fridge for 3-5 days.

In the freezer: Transfer the leftover pasta salad to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and freeze it for up to 3 months. Allow the creamy pasta salad to thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

FAQS About This Easy Pasta Salad Recipe

What type of pasta is best for pasta salad?

Short pasta shapes like bow tie pasta, elbow macaroni, rotini, or fusilli will work best.

Is it good to make pasta salad the day before?

Yes, pasta salad actually tastes best made the day before. The flavors have time to develop more if it chills in the fridge overnight. Simply prepare it and store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you're ready to serve.

Should you rinse pasta when making pasta salad?

Yes, rinsing pasta will allow it to cool quicker. Cooled pasta is best when making pasta salad for the best texture, and then you can enjoy it immediately.

Can macaroni salad be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! Macaroni salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you're ready to serve. It should last for up to up 5 days.

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