Creamy and delicious macaroni salad with peas, corn and ham is perfect for picnics, barbecues or as a side dish at any gathering. It's also great as a light and quick dinner and leftovers work well in a lunchbox.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword Ham, Macaroni, macaroni salad, Potluck Recipes, Salad
Prep Time 20 minutesminutes
Cook Time 15 minutesminutes
Total Time 35 minutesminutes
Servings 6
Calories 290kcal
Ingredients
To cook
1.5cupsmacaroni pastadry
1cupfrozen peas
1cupfresh or frozen corn kernels
5cupswater1 liter
1teaspoonsalt
1tablespoonolive oil
For the rest of the salad
½cupCheddar cheesediced
½cuphamdiced
1cupsweet peppersany color, diced
1-2tablespoonschopped fresh parsley or dill
⅓cupred onion
¼teaspoonsalt and pepper
2tablespoonslemon juice
1.5teaspoonDijon or yellow mustard
½cuplight mayonnaisefull-fat is also fine
2tablespoonsGreek yogurtunsweetened
Instructions
Add the macaroni pasta, peas, and corn to the pot together with salt, water, and a splash of olive oil.
Stir through, pop and lock the lid, making sure the top valve is set to Sealing. Press Manual/Pressure Cook and set to 1 minute at HIGH pressure. The Instant Pot will take about 10 minutes to come to pressure and the timer will kick in. Allow 4-5 minutes for natural release, then use the quick release method to let off the remaining pressure.
Open the lid, stir the pasta and strain through a sieve. Set aside to cool while you prepare the other salad ingredients.
Warning: When cooking pasta under pressure, a little foam forms in the liquid; when you quick release the pressure, hold a towel just a bit higher than the valve to catch any squirting foam, which will stop after 20 seconds or so. This is normal with the Instant Pot, simply make sure to wash the lid and the valve once you're finished.
Combine all salad ingredients in a large bowl. Add the cooled pasta, peas and corn and stir through until everything is well coated. Serve in a large bowl or platter with a few fresh herbs on top.
Stovetop: Cook the macaroni pasta as per packet instructions and make sure to not overcook it, al dente is perfect for salads. You can throw in frozen peas and fresh corn together with the cooking pasta in the last couple of minutes. Strain and cool in the sieve before adding to the salad.