Ham And Cheese pasta Salad

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Indulge in the delightful harmony of flavors with a sweet and savory pasta salad featuring a medley of delectable ingredients. Succulent cubes of cheese intertwine with the briny goodness of black olives, creating a perfect balance that tantalizes the taste buds. Freshly chopped onions add a subtle pungency, while tender, crisp carrots lend a touch of sweetness. These components unite in an exquisite pasta salad, where the spiral pasta acts as a canvas, capturing the essence of each element. A sweet and tangy dressing drapes over the ensemble, elevating the dish to a tantalizing crescendo of flavors.

You Will Need

4 Cups Chicken Broth

4 Cups Garden Rotini

John Morrell Cubed Ham (8 oz.)

1 Medium Onion Diced

1 Can Whole Black Olives

1/2 Cup Match Stick Carrots (chopped)

1 Mini Block Velveeta cut into small cubes

3/4 Cup Real Mayonnaise

1/4 Cup Salad Dressing Mayonnaise

1 TBSP Soy Sauce

1/4 Cup Sugar

1 TBSP Parsley Flakes

1/2 TBSP Garlic Salt

1/2 tsp Black Pepper

Notes: You can also add

1/2 cup Cherry Tomatoes

(or more LOL) I was just out.

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Pasta / Salad

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Directions

I used my 3 qt to make this recipe. Add Chicken broth, ham, and pasta to your instant pot. I had to defrost both my chicken broth and my ham on saute before continuing. Add Pasta and place your lid on, Select pressure cook (or manual) for 8 min high pressure. When done wait for pressure valve to go down and open lid

Strain Pasta and Ham and move to a large bowl, refrigerate for 1 hour

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In another bowl add, real mayonnaise, salad dressing, Soy sauce, Lemon Juice, Sugar, Parsley, Garlic salt and pepper Mix well and set aside.

To your pasta add onion, olives, match stick carrots, Kraft Velveeta block® (or cheddar cheese) and sauce Mix Well Garnish with a pinch of parsley flakes

ENJOY!~

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How to store Pasta Salad

Cool the Salad: If the pasta salad was just made or recently served, allow it to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation inside the container, which can lead to bacterial growth.
Use an Airtight Container: Transfer the pasta salad to an airtight container with a secure lid. Glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids work well for this purpose. The airtight seal will help keep the salad fresh and prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge.
Refrigerate Promptly: Place the sealed container of pasta salad in the refrigerator as soon as possible after making or serving it. Refrigeration slows down bacterial growth and keeps the ingredients safe to eat.
Avoid Freezing: Freezing may cause the mayo to separate and the texture of the salad to change, so it's not recommended for this type of salad.
Use within Safe Timeframes: Pasta salads with mayo and other perishable ingredients should be consumed within certain timeframes to ensure their safety. It's generally recommended to consume the salad within 3-4 days.
Avoid Leaving it at Room Temperature: Pasta salad, especially one containing mayo, should not be left at room temperature for an extended period. Bacteria can multiply rapidly at room temperature and lead to foodborne illnesses.
Mix Before Serving: Before serving any leftovers, give the pasta salad a good stir to redistribute the dressing and flavors.
Check for Spoilage: If you notice any signs of spoilage, such as an off smell, unusual texture, or mold growth, discard the salad immediately.

Remember that food safety is crucial, so if you're unsure about the freshness or safety of the pasta salad.

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Pasta Salad Variations

Pasta salad is a versatile dish that can be customized in various ways to suit different tastes and preferences. Here are some popular pasta salad variations you can try:

Greek Pasta Salad: This variation typically includes cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. The dressing often consists of olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, and black pepper.
Caprese Pasta Salad: Inspired by the classic Caprese salad, this version incorporates cooked pasta, cherry or grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), and fresh basil leaves. The dressing is usually a simple combination of balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad: In this variation, cooked chicken is added to the pasta salad along with romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, grated Parmesan cheese, and croutons. The dressing is the traditional Caesar dressing made with anchovies, garlic, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce.
Mediterranean Pasta Salad: This version combines pasta with artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, black olives, and crumbled feta cheese. The dressing often includes olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, dried oregano, and a touch of honey.
Tuna Pasta Salad: Cooked pasta is mixed with canned tuna, sliced celery, chopped red onions, and peas. The dressing typically consists of mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and dill.
Asian Sesame Pasta Salad: Cooked pasta is combined with shredded carrots, sliced bell peppers, edamame beans, and chopped scallions. The dressing is made with a mix of soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, ginger, and garlic.
Mexican Pasta Salad: Cooked pasta is paired with black beans, corn kernels, diced tomatoes, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and shredded cheddar cheese. The dressing often includes a mix of lime juice, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, and garlic.
Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad: This variation includes cooked pasta combined with a medley of fresh summer vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and asparagus. The dressing may vary but could include a light vinaigrette or lemon-herb dressing.

Feel free to get creative and add your favorite ingredients to these variations or create your own pasta salad recipe based on what you have available and your personal preferences. Pasta salad is a fantastic canvas for exploring various flavors and textures!