Cold Pasta Salad with Veggies, Cheese, and Ham

August 15, 2025 by admin

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### Instructions

**1. Cook the Pasta**
Boil pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly.

**2. Prep the Mix-Ins**
While the pasta cooks, chop the ham, cheese, and veggies.

**3. Toss Everything Together**
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, ham, cheese cubes, and all the veggies. Pour in the Italian dressing and toss until everything is evenly coated.

**4. Chill Before Serving**
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly. Stir again before serving and add more dressing if needed.

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### Tips for the Best Pasta Salad

* **Don’t overcook the pasta** – Al dente pasta holds up better after chilling.
* **Cube the cheese and ham evenly** for balanced bites.
* **Use a zippy dressing** – A tangy vinaigrette like Italian or Greek brings the salad to life.
* **Make it your own** – Swap ham for turkey or salami, add green peas, toss in shredded carrots, or try different cheeses.

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### Great For…

* Backyard BBQs
* Summer potlucks
* Meal prep lunches
* Kids’ lunchboxes
* Last-minute guests

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### Final Thoughts

Cold pasta salad is the unsung hero of casual meals: easy to make, endlessly customizable, and reliably delicious. This version with veggies, cheese, and ham brings together savory, creamy, crunchy, and tangy elements in a dish that’s sure to disappear fast.

Whip up a big bowl, stash it in the fridge, and enjoy stress-free meals all week long!

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Want a printable version or suggestions for pairing drinks and sides with it? Just let me know!