Looking for a cool, refreshing side salad or appetizer? This creamy Ham and Pea Pasta Salad is an easy, flavorful way to use leftover ham — perfect for spring gatherings or Easter.
I developed this ham and pea pasta salad with a paleo option in mind, and it has quickly become a family favorite. It’s creamy, light, and kid-friendly — even my toddler loves it. The tender pasta, sweet peas, and savory ham come together with fresh herbs and a lemony mayonnaise dressing to create a springy, colorful salad that pairs well with grilled meats or seafood and is perfect for potlucks and holiday meals.
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Ham and Pea Pasta Salad Recipe
This creamy pasta salad mixes green peas, diced ham, celery, fresh herbs, and a simple lemon-mayo dressing for a bright, springtime side. It’s quick to make, travels well, and can be served chilled or at room temperature. The recipe works with regular or gluten-free pasta, and swaps easily to a paleo-friendly option by using grain-free pasta and paleo mayonnaise.
Ingredients
Gather the following:
- Penne pasta: 8 oz. Use a grain-free cassava penne for a paleo version or any pasta you prefer.
- Peas: 1½ cups, fresh or frozen.
- Ham: 1½ cups, cubed (leftovers or deli ham both work).
- Celery: ½ cup, chopped.
- Fresh parsley: 1/3 cup, chopped.
- Fresh mint: 2 tbsp, chopped.
- Paleo mayonnaise: ½ cup (or regular mayo if not following paleo).
- Lemon juice: Juice from 1 lemon.
- Dried chives: 2 tsp.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
How to Make Ham and Pea Pasta Salad
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions. Add the peas to the pot at the last minute so they cook quickly.
- Drain the pasta and peas, then rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool them down. Transfer to a large bowl.
- Add the cubed ham, chopped celery, parsley, mint, mayo, lemon juice, and dried chives. Stir until evenly combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill briefly if you like, then serve cold or at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Any cooked ham works well. Leftover roasted ham is ideal, but ham steaks or diced deli ham are convenient options. Just cut into bite-sized cubes for even distribution.
Either fresh or frozen peas are fine. Frozen peas are convenient and sweeten nicely when briefly cooked; fresh peas add extra brightness when available.
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, pork, salmon, or burgers. It also stands alone as a light meal or picnic dish.
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Stir before serving if the dressing settles.
If you enjoyed this paleo pasta salad, you might also like…
- Bacon Jalapeño Mac and Cheese (Paleo, Dairy Free)
- Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese (Gluten Free, Dairy Free)
- Whole30 Dill Pickle Potato Salad (Instant Pot or Stove Top)
- Whole30 Ham and Potato Soup (Paleo, Dairy Free)
- Egg Free Cauliflower Potato Salad (Paleo, Vegan, Whole30, Keto)
Ham and Pea Pasta Salad
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Video
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1½ cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1½ cup ham, cubed
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
- 1/2 cup paleo mayonnaise
- Juice from 1 lemon
- 2 tsp dried chives
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Cook pasta according to package instructions in salted water. Add peas to the boiling water at the last minute.
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Drain the pasta and peas, then run under cold water to cool. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
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Add ham, celery, parsley, mint, mayo, lemon juice, and dried chives. Mix to combine and season with salt and pepper.
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Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition
Calories: 390 kcal
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Protein: 15 g
Fat: 21 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Sodium: 548 mg
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 4 g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment below or tag @whatgreatgrandmaate!