Description
A creamy and flavorful Mexican-inspired ham pasta salad with rotini, fresh vegetables, and a tangy mayo dressing. Perfect for picnics, meal prep, or quick family meals.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups pasta (Barilla rotini recommended)
- 6 slices ham (diced into 1/2-inch cubes)
- 1 cup celery
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (Hellmann’s preferred)
- 1/3 cup corn
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 tsp pepper
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, about 12–15 minutes. While cooking, dice the ham, chop the celery, finely dice the red onion, and chop the cilantro. Drain the pasta and spread it out to cool for about 15 minutes to prevent it from becoming mushy.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with ham, celery, red onion, corn, and cilantro. Add mayonnaise and gently fold everything together until evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper, then adjust to taste.
3. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled.
Notes
For best texture, always cool the pasta before mixing with mayonnaise.
You can add a squeeze of lime juice or a pinch of chili powder for extra Mexican-inspired flavor.
This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 900
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 55g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 80g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg