. Introduction
magine a sunny summer day, a picnic blanket spread out under the shade of a towering oak tree, and the delightful aroma of a homemade pasta salad filling the air. Cold Pasta Salad with Veggies, Cheese, and Ham is the perfect dish to bring to any gathering or enjoy as a refreshing meal on its own. This recipe has been passed down through generations in my family, and it never fails to impress. The combination of colorful vegetables, savory cheese, and tender ham tossed in a tangy dressing will leave your taste buds craving for more. Let me share the secrets of this beloved recipe with you.
Ingredients
. Before we dive into the preparation steps, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need:
– 8 ounces of pasta (such as fusilli, rotini, or penne)
– 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup of cucumber, diced
– 1 cup of bell peppers, sliced
– 1 cup of cubed ham
– 1 cup of cubed cheese (cheddar or mozzarella work well)
– 1/4 cup of red onion, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup of black olives, sliced
– 1/4 cup of fresh basil, chopped
– 1/4 cup of olive oil
– 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
– 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, ham, cheese, red onion, black olives, and fresh basil.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture, tossing gently to coat everything evenly.
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Just before serving, give the salad a good stir and adjust the seasoning if needed. If the salad seems a bit dry, drizzle some additional olive oil over the top.
7. Serve the Cold Pasta Salad with Veggies, Cheese, and Ham chilled and enjoy the burst of refreshing flavors with every bite.
Variations
. This versatile recipe can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Here are a few variations you can try:
Vegetarian Version
If you prefer a meatless option, simply omit the ham and add extra vegetables such as blanched broccoli florets or sliced avocado.
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