Best Cold Macaroni Salad with Ham and Sweet Corn
If you’re looking for a refreshing, easy-to-make side dish, this macaroni salad is creamy, slightly sweet, and full of tender pasta and savory ham. Perfect for picnics, family gatherings, or a quick weeknight meal.
Equipment
- large pot for boiling pasta
- large mixing bowl for combining salad
- colander for draining pasta and corn
- knife for dicing ham and vegetables
- cutting board
- spatula or spoon for mixing ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups dry elbow macaroni
- 1 cup diced ham (or cooked turkey/chicken)
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned, drained)
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper (optional)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente (about 7–8 minutes). Drain, rinse under cold water, and let cool completely. Cooling is key to prevent the mayonnaise from melting.
- Dice the ham into small, bite-sized cubes. Chop the celery finely. If using bell peppers or other veggies, dice them now. Drain the corn if using canned, or thaw frozen corn.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, ham, celery, and corn. Pour the mayonnaise over the mixture and gently fold until everything is evenly coated.
- Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix gently one last time, then cover and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours to allow flavors to meld. Serve cold.
Notes
Make-ahead tip: chill for a few hours for best flavor. Customize with extra veggies or swap ham for turkey/chicken. Lighten the dish with Greek yogurt or light mayo.
Nutrition
Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 12gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1.2mg
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