Macaroni Salad With Dill and Ham

Submitted by Barb W.

"This is from Food TV's website (next to Zaar, my favorite recipe website.) I have not made this yet, am posting for future use. Can't wait to try it, though! The recipe also had this interesting comment: Why the milk? When we left it out of the recipe, the macaroni absorbed too much of the dressing and the salad was overly acidic. Adding just a couple tablespoons mellowed the dressing and gave the salad a wonderful old-fashioned quality without being goopy or heavy."

 

• Ready In: 28mins
• Ingredients: 13
• Yields: 1 bowl
• Serves: 6

ingredients

• 1⁄4 medium red onion, minced
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus additional for salting water
• 8 ounces elbow macaroni (about 2 cups)
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• fresh ground black pepper
• 1⁄3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1⁄3 cup sour cream
• 6 ounces cooked ham, cut into 1/3-inch cubes
• 3⁄4 cup frozen baby peas, thawed (about 4 ounces)
• 2 celery ribs, with leaves, diced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

directions

1. To mellow the minced onion, soak it in cold water while you make the salad.
2. Bring a large pot of cold water to a boil over high heat and salt it generously. Add the macaroni and boil, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 8 minutes.
3. Drain the macaroni in a colander, put in a serving bowl, and toss with the milk. Allow the macaroni to cool slightly while you make the dressing.

4. Dressing:

5. Whisk the vinegar, mustard, the 2 teaspoons salt, and black pepper to taste in a large bowl.
6. Gradually whisk in the olive oil, starting with a few drops and then adding the rest in a steady stream to make a smooth, slightly thick dressing. Whisk in the sour cream.
7. Drain the onions, pat dry, and add to the macaroni along with the ham, peas, celery, and dill.
8. Add the dressing and fold to coat the pasta evenly.
9. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Reviews

[swissms]

August 23, 2009: Very good. Made this today for lunch. I used corkscrew pasta. The use of milk is an interesting tip. When I tasted the dressing I was worried that the Dijon mustard and vinegar would overpower the pasta salad..but it didn't! :) My whole family enjoyed it and it is quick and easy to throw together. Thank you for the recipe. December 27, 2009: Great way to use up leftover ham from the holidays.