Last Updated on October 28, 2025 by Kymberley
Easy Macaroni Pasta Salad with Ham & Cheese
One of the first crowd-pleasing macaroni salads I learned how to make. This quick and easy pasta salad has become a go-to recipe in our family for any occasion. It’s great for taking along to your next picnic, church potluck, or serving for your next barbecue. It’s also a good fit for spring or summer lunches, holiday meals, and simple suppers.
ABOUT THIS RECIPE (per serving)
There are many options when it comes to making macaroni pasta salad. However, this recipe shares the ingredients we typically use when making it.
For subscribers (when logged in), I’ve also included several ideas for mix-ins and substitutions. Additionally, subscribers will find my tips for how to store pasta salad. Enjoy!
#GlutenFree #Ham & #Cheese #PastaSalad #Easy #SatisfyingFood #Recipe #GFreeDeliciously
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Kymberley
Gluten-Free Seasoned Salt
Nearly everyone knows and loves Lawry’s ® Seasoned Salt, the famous seasoning blend with endless uses.
At GfreeDeliciously, we’ve made a gluten-free copycat version that tastes as you remember at a fraction of the supermarket price. To make it, check out our Gluten-Free Seasoned Salt {Lawry’s ® Seasoned Salt – Copycat Recipe} recipe.
For more healthy recipes that you can make in advance, check out our round-up of ideas in the Meal Prep Collection!
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Ham & Cheese Macaroni Pasta Salad
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Ingredients
Equipment
Nutrition
Method
- Most kinds of pasta cook in 8 to 12 minutes. Cook until it is tender and firm but no longer crunchy - al-dente' (ahl-DEN-Tay). Drain the pasta, then rinse in cold water to bring the temperature down quickly, stopping the cooking process and keeping the noodles loose for the salad. Once cooled, transfer the cooled pasta to a colander or mesh strainer, shake to remove excess water. Set aside.3 cups Gluten-Free brown rice Pasta
- Cut the cooked Ham into approximately 1/2-inch cubes.
- Dice the Colby cheese into approximately 1/4-inch cubes.
- Add the drained and cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl, then add the peas, cheese, and Ham.1-1/2 cups cooked Ham, 1-1/2 cups Colby cheese, 1 cup frozen Peas
- Sprinkle the seasonings over the top of all the ingredients.3/4 cup gluten-free Mayonnaise, 1 3/4 teaspoon Onion Powder, 1 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon Gluten-Free Seasoned Salt, 3/4 teaspoon Celery Salt
- Using the back of a large spoon, add the mayonnaise, lightly spread it with the seasonings over the bowl ingredients, then gently fold the mixture into the pasta until evenly blended.
- Cover and place into the refrigerator for 30 to 45 minutes for the flavors to come together. Stir gently before serving. Enjoy!
Kitchen Notes
Gluten-Free Seasoned Salt
Nearly everyone knows and loves Lawry's ® Seasoned Salt, the famous seasoning blend with endless uses.
At GfreeDeliciously, we've made a gluten-free copycat version that tastes as you remember at a fraction of the supermarket price. To make it, check out our Gluten-Free Seasoned Salt {Lawry's ® Seasoned Salt – Copycat Recipe} recipe.Personal Notes
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