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A glass bowl of macaroni salad with ham, cheese, and carrots sits on a table. Behind it are a ceramic rooster and two small red barn decorations.

Ham and Cheese Picnic Pasta Salad: Easy Summer Recipe

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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

  • 8 oz cold cellentani pasta, cooked and cooled
  • 1 cup light mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup light sour cream
  • 1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 13 cup cold water
  • 8 oz turkey sandwich meat, chopped oz ham sandwich meat, chopped
  • 8 oz Colby Jack cheese, diced : 4 oz low-sodium bacon bits
  • 1/4 cup shredded carrots
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Dried parsley, for (to make it fancy!

Instructions

  • Cook the cellentani pasta according to the package directions
  • Drain, rinse under cold water, and allow it to cool completely
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the light mayonnaise, light sour cream, ranch seasoning, and cold water until smooth and creamy
  • Add the chilled pasta, chopped turkey, chopped ham, diced Colby Jack cheese, low-sodium bacon bits, and shredded carrots
  • Gently toss until everything is evenly coated in the creamy ranch dressing
  • Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors come together
  • Sprinkle with dried parsley just before serving, then add your favorite crunchy topping for extra texture and flavor