An Easy Pasta Salad for BBQs, Roasted Chicken, and Family Gatherings

This creamy ham pasta salad is one of my favorite side dishes to serve with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or at family BBQs. It’s simple to make, incredibly filling, and made with everyday ingredients.

Tender pasta, crunchy pickles, sweet corn, savory ham, and plenty of fresh chives are coated in a creamy dressing that’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re making it for a summer cookout, meal prep, or a quick lunch, this salad never disappoints.

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Ingredients

• 500 g elbow macaroni
• 500 g dill pickles or Polish fermented cucumbers, diced
• (You can also use 1 large fresh cucumber if that’s what you have.)
• 300 g cooked ham, diced (or mortadella)
• 1 can (about 300 g drained) sweet corn
• 1 large bunch fresh chives, finely chopped
• Mayonnaise, to taste
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

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Healthy Dressing Option

For a lighter version, replace some or all of the mayonnaise with this simple dressing:

• 200 g plain Greek yogurt or Skyr
• 2 tbsp light mayonnaise
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper

Mix until smooth.

This dressing keeps the salad creamy while reducing calories and adding extra protein.

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Instructions

Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente.

Drain and rinse with cold water.

Leave it to cool completely.

Dice the pickles (or fresh cucumber) and the ham.

Drain the sweet corn.

Finely chop the chives.

Place everything into a large bowl.

Add mayonnaise or the healthy yogurt dressing.

Mix until everything is evenly coated.

Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

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Serving Suggestions

Perfect with:

• Grilled meats
• Roasted chicken
• Burgers
• Sausages
• BBQ dishes
• Picnics
• Lunch boxes

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Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Give it a quick stir before serving.

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Recipe Tips

• Let the pasta cool completely before mixing the salad.
• Polish fermented cucumbers give the salad the most authentic flavor, but dill pickles work just as well.
• If you don’t have either, a fresh cucumber makes a delicious lighter version.
• Add the mayonnaise gradually until the salad reaches your preferred consistency.
• Fresh chives add the best flavor, so don’t skip them.
• The salad tastes even better after a few hours in the refrigerator.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh cucumber instead of pickles?

Yes! Fresh cucumber makes the salad lighter and gives it a fresh, crisp flavor.

Can I use dill pickles instead of Polish fermented cucumbers?

Absolutely. Dill pickles are an excellent substitute and are much easier to find in many countries.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes! In fact, the salad tastes even better after a few hours in the refrigerator.

Can I use another type of pasta?

Of course! Fusilli, shells, penne, or bow-tie pasta all work well.

Can I make it lighter?

Yes. Simply replace some or all of the mayonnaise with the yogurt dressing above.