This creamy ham and lettuce pasta salad is the perfect side dish for any occasion, from summer barbecues to casual weeknight dinners. It's surprisingly simple to make, requiring minimal ingredients and even less effort, yet delivers a burst of fresh flavor and satisfying texture. The combination of tender pasta, salty ham, crisp lettuce, and a luscious creamy dressing creates a harmonious balance that's both light and fulfilling. This recipe is easily customizable to your preferences; feel free to add other vegetables or proteins to make it your own.
Forget complicated salads that take hours to prepare! This recipe is quick, easy, and incredibly delicious. The delightful blend of textures and flavors will have everyone reaching for seconds. Ready to whip up this refreshing and flavorful pasta salad? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below!
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Colander
- Container
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- Torito raisins: 198 grams
- Lettuce leaves
- Cream (for tacos): 1/2 cup
- Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup
- Peas: 3/4 cups
- Carrots: 2, peeled and diced
- Red onion: 1/2
- Pickled chilies
- Ground black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Mustard: 1 tablespoon
- Turkey ham: 5 slices
- Pasta
- Onion
- Garlic: 2 cloves
- Salt
- Oil
- Water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Vegetables and Pasta
- Dice the red onion and pickled chilies into small pieces.
- Boil water in a pot. Add a little oil, diced onion, 3 peppers, and 2 cloves of garlic.
- Add pasta to boiling water with salt and cook until done (about 10 minutes).
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Cook the diced carrots in boiling water with salt (about 10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Cook the peas in boiling water (about 6 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Step 2. Make the Creamy Dressing
- In a large bowl, combine cream, mayonnaise, mustard, ground pepper, a little chili vinegar, raisins, carrots, onion, ham, and cooked pasta.
Step 3. Combine Ingredients
- Add chopped lettuce and pickled chilies.
Step 4. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve with toast.
Read more: Quick & Easy Pantry Mexican Rice with Rotel
Tips
- This salad is delicious for hot days and is great for children.
- You can serve the salad with toast.
- You can also add more chilies if desired.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad is even better the next day after the flavors have melded. Make it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
2. What kind of pasta works best?
Short pasta shapes like rotini, farfalle, or shells work well because they hold the dressing nicely. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti.
3. Can I substitute the ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap the ham for cooked chicken or turkey. Different types of lettuce can be used, and you can add other veggies like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes.
This creamy ham and lettuce pasta salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a simple weeknight meal. Its refreshing taste and effortless preparation make it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Enjoy this delightful and satisfying salad!