Macaroni Salad with Peas

Ingredients and Weight:

• Macaroni, elbow (1 pound)
• Frozen peas (1 cup)
• Chopped celery (1/2 cup)
• Chopped red onion (1/4 cup)
• Ham, diced (1/2 cup)
• Cheddar cheese, shredded (1 cup)
• Mayonnaise (1/2 cup)
• Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon)
• Honey (1 tablespoon)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Preparation Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

10-12 minutes (macaroni)

Difficulty Level:

1 (Simple)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a large bowl, combine macaroni, peas, celery, onion, ham, and cheese.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour dressing over macaroni mixture and stir to combine.
5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Nutritional Information:

Per 1 cup serving:

• Calories: 300
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 500mg
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 10g

Dish Characteristics:

• Creamy and flavorful
• Savory and tangy
• Crisp-tender vegetables
• Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or summer gatherings

User Comments:

• "This macaroni salad is the perfect balance of creamy and tangy."
• "The peas and ham add a delicious sweetness and umami."
• "I love that it's so easy to make. Even my kids can help."
• "It's a great side dish for any barbecue or picnic."
• "I always double the recipe because it's so popular with my guests."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• To prevent the salad from becoming watery, drain the peas and celery well before adding them to the salad.
• If you don't like ham, you can substitute with cooked bacon or diced chicken.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and add more vegetables, such as diced bell peppers or zucchini.
• The salad can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.