Shelly's Recipe

HAM AND MACARONI SALAD

Category: Pasta Salads

1 cup dry wagon wheel or elbow macaroni
1 1/2 cup cubed fully-cooked ham (8 oz)
4 oz Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese, cut into cubes
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
1 stalk celery, thinly sliced
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 tbsp diced pimiento
1/2 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing
1/4 cup sweet pickle relish or chopped sweet pickle
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
2 tbsp milk (optional)
8 cherry tomatoes, halved
Snipped fresh parsley (optional)

Cook pasta according to pkg directions, preferably al dente (firm to the bite). Drain; rinse with cold water and drain again.

In a large mixing bowl combine pasta, ham, cheese, peas, celery, onion and pimiento. Toss gently to combine.

For dressing, in a small mixing bowl stir together mayonnaise or salad dressing, pickle relish or chopped pickle, salt and pepper. Pour dressing over pasta mixture. Toss to coat. Cover and chill for 4 hours or overnight.

Just before serving, stir in milk, if necessary. Spoon pasta mixture into a serving bowl. Arrange cherry tomato halves around edge of bowl. Lightly sprinkle with snipped parsley over top of salad, if desired. Serves 4