Ham, Cheese and Macaroni Salad

By marmar

Ingredients

• 1 cup packaged dried wagon wheel or elbow macaroni
• 1/2 cups cubed fully cooked ham (8 oz)
• 4 oz. monterey jack or cheddar cheese, cut into cubes (1 cup)
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 stalk celery, thinly sliced (1/2 cup)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 tbsp. diced pimento
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing
• 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish or chopped sweet pickles
• 1 to 2 tbsp. milk (optional)
• dash of pepper
• 8 cherry tomatoes, halved
• fresh parsley sprig (optional)

Preparation

Step 1

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain pasta, rinse with cold water. Drain again.

In a large mixing bowl combine pasta, ham, cheese, peas, celery, onion and pimento. Toss gently to mix.

For dressing, in a small mixing bowl stir together mayonnaise or salad dressing, pickle relish or chopped pickle, milk and pepper. Pour dressing over pasta mixture. Toss to coat. Cover and chill for 4 to 24 hours.

Just before serving, stir in milk, if necessary. Spoon pasta mixture into a serving bowl.

Arrange cherry tomato halves around the edge of bowl. If desired, garnish with parsley.