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Creamy Loaded Macaroni Salad Recipe with Smoked Gouda and Crispy Ham Made Easy

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A creamy, smoky macaroni salad featuring smoked gouda and crispy ham, perfect for potlucks and BBQs. This recipe balances creamy dressing, tender pasta, and crunchy ham bits for a comforting and crave-worthy dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (about 225g) uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup shredded smoked gouda (about 100g)
  • 1 cup diced cooked ham, pan-fried until crispy
  • 1 cup mayonnaise (full-fat or light)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
  • 1/4 cup finely diced red onion (optional)
  • 2 large hard-boiled eggs, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 3 cups (225g) elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to drain thoroughly.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 cup diced cooked ham and cook, stirring occasionally, until edges are crispy and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool on paper towels to drain excess fat.
  3. Place 2 large eggs in a pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then cover, remove from heat, and let sit for 10-12 minutes. Drain, cool under cold water, peel, and chop roughly.
  4. Finely dice 1/2 cup celery and 1/4 cup red onion. Chop 2 tablespoons fresh parsley. Set all aside.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. Whisk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper to start).
  6. Add the drained macaroni, crispy ham, chopped celery, red onion, hard-boiled eggs, shredded smoked gouda, and parsley to the dressing bowl. Gently fold everything together with a spatula until evenly coated.
  7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta; rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool quickly. Crisp ham properly over medium heat without overcrowding the pan to avoid steaming. Season gradually and chill the salad for at least an hour to allow flavors to meld. For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream. To keep ham crispy, add just before serving or serve immediately after mixing.

Nutrition

Keywords: macaroni salad, smoked gouda, crispy ham, creamy pasta salad, potluck recipe, BBQ side dish, easy macaroni salad

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/creamy-loaded-macaroni-salad-recipe-with-smoked-gouda-and-crispy-ham-made-easy/