This delightful pasta salad is a throwback to simpler times, combining everyday ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying dish. Perfect for any occasion, this salad is a wonderful addition to your meal, whether it’s a casual lunch, a family gathering, or a picnic. With a mix of pasta, ham, eggs, vegetables, and a creamy dressing, it’s both hearty and refreshing.

Preparation Time:

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes (for pasta and eggs)
Total Time: 25 minutes

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

150g pasta (such as rotini, penne, or macaroni)
1 teaspoon salt (for pasta water)
7 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped

150g ham, diced
A bunch of radishes, thinly sliced
Spring onion, chopped

120g gouda cheese, cubed
150g peas, cooked and cooled
150g corn, cooked and cooled

3 tablespoons natural yogurt
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon mustard

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions:

Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool it down. Set aside to drain completely.

Prepare the Ingredients:
- While the pasta is cooking, chop the hard-boiled eggs, dice the ham, and slice the radishes.
- Chop the spring onions and cube the gouda cheese.
- Ensure the peas and corn are cooked and cooled.
Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, combine the natural yogurt, mayonnaise, and mustard.
- Season the dressing with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well until smooth.
Assemble the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped eggs, diced ham, sliced radishes, chopped spring onions, cubed gouda cheese, peas, and corn.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients.
- Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
Chill and Serve:
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve the salad chilled, garnished with extra chopped spring onions or radishes if desired.

Serving Suggestions:

This salad is perfect as a main dish for lunch or a side dish at barbecues, potlucks, or family dinners.
Pair it with grilled meats, sandwiches, or enjoy it on its own for a light, satisfying meal.

Cooking Tips:

You can customize this salad by adding or substituting ingredients like bell peppers, cucumbers, or pickles.
For a more intense flavor, add a splash of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.

Nutritional Benefits:

Pasta: Provides carbohydrates for energy and fiber for digestion.
Eggs: Rich in protein and essential vitamins like B12 and D.
Vegetables (radishes, peas, corn): Add vitamins, minerals, and a fresh crunch to the salad.

Dietary Information:

Vegetarian: No (due to ham)
Gluten-Free: No (substitute with gluten-free pasta if needed)

Nutritional Facts (per serving, based on 6 servings):

Calories: Approximately 350 kcal
Protein: 15g

Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 4g

Sodium: 600mg

Storage:

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This pasta salad is a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and crunchy textures.
It’s easy to prepare with simple, everyday ingredients.

The salad is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste or the ingredients you have on hand.

Conclusion: This forgotten but delicious pasta salad is a wonderful addition to any meal, bringing together a mix of classic flavors that everyone will love. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a simple dinner, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Try it out and enjoy a taste of nostalgia with a modern twist!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
- Yes, this salad can be made a day in advance. In fact, it tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld.
What type of pasta works best for this salad?
- Any short pasta shape like rotini, penne, or macaroni works well.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Yes, you can use cheddar, Swiss, or any other firm cheese that you like.

Is there a way to make this salad lighter?
- You can reduce the amount of mayonnaise and increase the yogurt for a lighter dressing.
How do I keep the pasta from sticking together?
- Rinse the cooked pasta under cold water and toss it with a little olive oil before adding it to the salad.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
- Absolutely! Bell peppers, cucumbers, or cherry tomatoes would be great additions.

What can I substitute for ham?
- You can use cooked chicken, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Can I use frozen peas and corn?
- Yes, just make sure to cook and cool them before adding to the salad.
How long does this salad last in the fridge?
- It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Can I make this salad gluten-free?
- Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta in place of regular pasta.