Easy Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Ham and Cheese

Name: Bow Tie Pasta Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 70 min
Total time: 90 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup mayonnaise.; 3 tablespoons relish (sweet or dill).; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar.; 1 teaspoon yellow mustard.; 1 tablespoon white vinegar.; 1/2 teaspoon salt.; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.; 1 pound bow tie pasta.; 8 ounces cheddar cheese, diced.; 1 cup cooked ham, diced.; 1/2 small white or sweet onion, diced.; 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed.; 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced.

Featured in Refreshing Salads.

This easy pasta salad combines tender bow tie pasta with ham, cheese, and fresh veggies in a creamy homemade dressing. Perfect for making ahead and serving at summer gatherings.

By Norah Momoria

Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 13:27:06 GMT

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A close-up view of a bowl of creamy pasta salad featuring bowtie pasta, diced vegetables, and green peas. | recipesim.com

The Most Irresistible Summer Pasta Salad

After countless summer gatherings I've perfected this Creamy Bow Tie Pasta Salad that everyone always asks about. The tender pasta gets tossed in my special homemade dressing along with chunks of ham melty cheese sweet peas crisp onions and colorful peppers. Something magical happens when all these flavors come together making it the star of every BBQ potluck and family picnic.

Your New Favorite Side Dish

This pasta salad has earned a permanent spot in my summer recipe collection. It pairs beautifully with anything off the grill but honestly it's so good I make it all year round. Those cute bow tie noodles catch every bit of the creamy dressing creating perfect little bites of flavor. Every time I bring this to a gathering people hunt me down for the recipe.

What Makes It Special

Pasta: I love how bow ties cradle all the other ingredients in their little folds.
Ham: Diced ham adds such nice savory bites throughout the salad.
Cheese: The shredded cheese melts slightly into the warm pasta creating amazing flavor.
Peas: Sweet pops of green that add freshness to every bite.
Onions: Just enough to add that perfect hint of sharp crunch.
Bell Peppers: These bring gorgeous color and fresh crispy texture.

A close-up of creamy pasta salad featuring bow-tie pasta, red and yellow bell pepper, and green peas in a light sauce. | recipesim.com

The Secret's in the Sauce

Creating the Perfect Dressing: My special blend of creamy mayo tangy mustard and sweet relish comes together to make a dressing that hugs every piece of pasta just right.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this pasta salad ahead?: Yes, make up to 24 hours ahead. The flavors actually improve as it chills.
→ How do I keep the pasta from sticking?: Rinse pasta with cold water after cooking and toss with a bit of dressing right away.
→ Can I use different pasta shapes?: Any medium pasta shape works well - try rotini, shells, or penne.
→ What can I substitute for ham?: Try diced chicken, turkey, or leave it out for a vegetarian version.
→ Why did my pasta salad get dry?: Pasta absorbs dressing as it sits. Save some dressing to stir in just before serving.