Bright, satisfying, and irresistibly creamy, this Creamy Ham Pasta Salad is your answer to repurposing leftover ham into a crave-worthy dish. It’s quick to make, bursting with flavor, and refreshingly crisp.
Tender pasta mingles with juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, and green onions, all cloaked in a zesty, homemade dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or busy weeknight dinners.
What You’ll Need for the Perfect Creamy Ham Pasta Salad
- Farfalle pasta – Its ridges and folds hold the creamy dressing beautifully for maximum flavor in every bite.
- Cooked ham – Diced and hearty, ham brings a savory richness that anchors the salad.
- Cherry tomatoes – Juicy bursts of sweetness and vibrant color with every slice.
- Cucumber – Crisp and refreshing, it cuts through the creaminess with a cooling crunch.
- Green onions – Mildly sharp and aromatic, they balance the dish with a subtle zing.
Quick & Easy: How to Make Creamy Ham Pasta Salad
Start by cooking the farfalle until al dente, then rinse under cold water to cool it quickly and keep it from sticking.
While the pasta boils, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice to create the creamy dressing. Add a pinch of salt to taste.
In a large mixing bowl, combine diced ham, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and chopped green onions with the cooled pasta. Pour the dressing over the top—add as much or as little as you like—and toss to coat everything evenly.
Taste and adjust salt if needed, then serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips, Tricks & Tasty Variations
For the creamiest texture without it becoming heavy, make sure your pasta is fully cooled before mixing in the dressing. Swapping Greek yogurt for sour cream adds a tangy, protein-packed twist. Prefer a sharper kick? Add a splash of pickle juice or extra Dijon mustard.
You can easily switch things up by adding shredded cheddar, chopped bell peppers, or even sweet peas. For a heartier meal, toss in hard-boiled eggs or sub pasta for whole wheat or even lentil varieties.
Keep It Fresh: Storing and Reheating Tips
This salad holds up beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. If it begins to dry out, revive it with a spoonful of mayo or a splash of lemon juice before serving.
Freezing isn’t ideal for creamy pasta salads, as the texture can separate when thawed. Enjoy it fresh for the best flavor and consistency.
Creamy Ham Pasta Salad
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 8 oz cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cucumber large, thinly sliced
- 1 pound cooked ham cubed (½ to 1 inch pieces)
- 4 green onions chopped
- 8 oz farfalle bow-tie pasta
For the Dressing
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and cook the farfalle pasta according to the directions on the package. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold water until cooled; set aside. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the dressing by whisking together mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice in a medium-sized bowl until smooth and creamy. Season with salt to taste. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced ham, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and chopped green onions. Pour in the desired amount of the prepared dressing and gently toss to ensure everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
