Here’s an easy Memorial Day make-ahead entree: this lightened-up pasta salad is loaded with broccoli, ham, and peppers. The smokiness of the ham with the sweetness of the raisins make it a balanced dish that will have people coming back for seconds. Enjoy the leftovers for a fuss-free lunch. Recipe borrowed from EatingWell.
Broccoli, Ham & Pasta Salad
Makes: 5 servings, about 2 cups each
Active Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
INGREDIENTS
CREAMY HERBED DRESSING
- 1/2 cup low-fat mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup nonfat plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar or white-wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey, or more to taste
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried minced onion or dried chopped chives
- 1 1/4 teaspoons dried tarragon or dill
- 1/2 teaspoon onion salt or celery salt or 1/4 teaspoon of each
- White pepper to taste
SALAD
- 3 cups cooked whole-wheat fusilli or similar pasta (about 6 ounces dry)
- 4 cups chopped broccoli florets (about 1 1/2 large heads)
- 1 1/2 cups diced ham (8 ounces), preferably reduced-sodium
- 1 large red or yellow bell pepper (or a combination), diced
- 1/4 cup diced red onion, plus slices for garnish
- 1/3 cup raisins
- Freshly ground pepper to taste
- 4 cups spinach leaves
- 1 cup torn radicchio leaves
PREPARATION
- To prepare dressing: Combine mayonnaise, yogurt, sour cream, vinegar, mustard, honey, onion (or chives), tarragon (or dill) and onion salt (and/or celery salt) in a bowl until well blended. Season with white pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings, if desired.
- To prepare salad: Combine pasta, broccoli, ham, bell pepper, diced onion and raisins in a large bowl. Add dressing and toss until evenly incorporated. Cover and refrigerate to blend the flavors for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 days.
- Serve on a bed of spinach and radicchio, garnished with slices of red onion.
TIPS & NOTES
- Make Ahead Tip: Prepare through Step 2, cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
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