Ham and Macaroni Salad

Ham and Macaroni Salad

Source: Better Homes and Gardens

Prep: 30 min.
Chill: 4 hours

1 cup packaged dried wagon wheel or elbow macaroni
1-1/2 cups cubed fully cooked ham (8 ounces)
4 ounces 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 tablespoons diced pimiento
1/2 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing
1/4 cup sweet pickle relish or chopped sweet pickle
1 to 2 tablespoons milk (optional)
Dash pepper
8 cherry tomatoes, halved
Fresh parsley sprig (optional)

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 pimiento. 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. Makes 4 main-dish servings.