Got Ham?
From
Alicia
| April 11, 2012
In Kitchen Basics
Featured Recipe: Ham and Cheese Pasta Salad
Got ham? I know I do! Seems like no matter how hard I try to size it right for the number of people I’m serving at Easter dinner, that ham just multiplies. But leftover ham at Easter has become a favorite “problem” this year. I’m trying to see how many different ways I can serve it without it seeming “leftover” at all.
Basic ham sandwich – check. Salad topper –check. Bake potato addition- check. Fast pizza topper-check. Easy protein for stir-fry- check. Breakfast casserole – check. Omelet component- check.
Today’s recipe is a throw-back to the pasta salads that were so popular 20 plus years ago. And frankly, I don’t know why they ever went out of style. This recipe was originally printed in my 1997 cookbook, Desperation Dinners! (Workman Publishing) at more than twice the amount to serve a full six for dinner or 12 as a side. I’ve trimmed it back for a more manageable size, serving 2 for dinner or 4 as a side dish. Close your eyes when you take that first bite and you’ll swear you’ve bitten into a ham and cheese sandwich with mayo, Dijon and tomato on fluffy white bread. Mmmm, it’s amazing.
But here's a list of other alternatives for leftover ham, too.
Ham and Broccoli Pasta Toss
Fresh Egg Scramble with Ham and Cheese
Black-eye Pea Salad
If you’ve got ham (or even if you don’t*) you’ll want to whip up one of these this speedy and scrumptious dishes.
*Chopped ham is available in the prepared meat section of the grocery store. Or you can use deli ham, finely chopped.
Comments
From Tina - April 29, 2012
This is a great recipe - and so easy! I added some sliced black olives and it is incredible. I took it church for a covered dish luncheon and it was a huge hit. Now I need to share the recipe with lots of others!
Related Recipes
Ham and Cheese Pasta Salad
April 06, 2012
Today’s recipe is a throw-back to the pasta salads that were so popular 20 plus years ago. And frankly, I don’t know why they ever went out of style.
Read full recipe.
Ham and Broccoli Pasta Toss
December 13, 2010
Goes together in 12 minutes flat thanks to already-cooked ham and easy-peasy tomatoes!
Read full recipe.
Fresh Egg Scramble with Ham and Cheese
September 30, 2011
You can mix up the scramble anyway you want, depending on what you have in the vegetable bin. The only secret is to thinly slice or chop the vegetables and meats, and don’t overcook them before adding the eggs.
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Black-eyed Pea Salad
December 21, 2009
This salad with black-eye peas and ham is perfect for a New Year's Day lunch -- or any day of the year.
Read full recipe.My Books
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From Gayle - April 12, 2012
This was amazing. You are right when you said you would think you are eating a ham and cheese sandwich.