Macaroni Ham & Cheese Summertime Salad

If my son Chris has a favorite recipe, this has to be the one. He always requests it for picnics and weekend get-togethers in the summertime

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 8
• Yields: 2 Quarts

Ingredients

• 8  ounces medium pasta shells, cooked al dente and cooled
• 8  hard-boiled eggs, peeled, cooled &, diced
• 2  cups Velveeta cheese, diced
• 1  cup  frozen sweet peas, thawed (optional)
• 2  cups  ready to eat ham, diced
• 1  cup mayonnaise
• 1  cup  sweet pickle relish
• 3  tablespoons sweet pickle juice
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Cook macaroni to al dente in boiling, salted water. Drain and toss with 1 teaspoon of EVOO to prevent sticking. Cool to room temperature.
2. When macaroni has cooled, add diced egg, cheese and ham. Stir together.
3. Add peas if desired.
4. Add remaining ingredients and stir together.
5. Cover and refrigerate until serving time. Be sure to stir the salad before serving.