Cold Pasta Salad with Veggies, Cheese, and Ham

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**Cold Pasta Salad with Veggies, Cheese, and Ham: The Perfect Make-Ahead Meal**

When the days are warm and you need something quick, satisfying, and refreshing, a **Cold Pasta Salad with Veggies, Cheese, and Ham** hits the spot every time. It’s the kind of dish that works just as well for picnics and potlucks as it does for packed lunches or light weeknight dinners. Bursting with color, flavor, and texture, this pasta salad is a crowd-pleasing classic — and it couldn’t be easier to make.

Let’s dive into why this dish deserves a regular spot in your meal rotation.

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### Why You’ll Love This Pasta Salad

* **Make-ahead friendly** – It tastes even better after chilling.
* **Versatile** – Use your favorite pasta, veggies, or dressing.
* **Great for leftovers** – Perfect for meal prep or lunchboxes.
* **Crowd-pleasing combo** – Savory ham, creamy cheese, crisp veggies, and zesty dressing in every bite.

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### Ingredients

Feel free to customize based on what you have on hand, but here’s a classic version to get you started:

* **12 oz pasta** (rotini, penne, or bowtie work best)
* **1 cup diced cooked ham**
* **1 cup cubed cheddar cheese** (or mozzarella)
* **1 cup cherry tomatoes**, halved
* **1 cup cucumber**, chopped
* **1/2 cup red bell pepper**, diced
* **1/2 cup black olives**, sliced (optional)
* **1/4 cup red onion**, finely chopped
* **1/2 cup Italian dressing** (store-bought or homemade)
* **Salt and black pepper**, to taste
* **Fresh parsley or basil**, for garnish (optional)

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