Ingredients and Weight:
1 pound (454g) cooked pasta (such as spiral or penne pasta)
1/2 pound (227g) cooked ham, diced
1/2 pound (227g) Swiss cheese, cubed
1/4 cup (60ml) Russian dressing salad dressing
1 tablespoon (15ml) prepared mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Cooking: 30 minutes (for pasta only)
- Total: 45 minutes
Difficulty Level: 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Prepare pasta according to package instructions. Once cooked, let cool and drain excess water.
- In a large bowl, combine diced ham and cubed Swiss cheese.
- Add cooked pasta to the bowl and mix gently.
- In a small bowl, combine Russian dressing salad dressing and prepared mustard. Mix well and pour over pasta mixture.
- Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are coated with the dressing.
- Season with salt and pepper as desired.
- Serve immediately or chill for later.
Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 total servings)
Calories: Approx. 400-500 (depending on the type of pasta and ingredients used)
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 20g
Dish Characteristics:
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Creative combination of flavors with Russian dressing and Swiss cheese
- Perfect for summer picnics or potlucks with its chilled salad texture and hearty ingredients
- Offers a unique taste experience with its blend of pasta, ham, and Swiss cheese
User Comments:
- "Love the combination of flavors in this dish!"
- "A unique yet satisfying salad option."
- "Easy to prepare and goes well as a side dish or a meal on its own."
- "Great for summer entertaining!"
- "The perfect blend of flavors for a hearty yet refreshing meal."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Use Swiss cheese for its distinct flavor and texture in this dish. Other types of cheese may not yield the same results.
- Adjust seasoning according to personal preference. Start with smaller amounts of salt and pepper and add more if needed.
- For best results, let the pasta cool completely before combining with other ingredients to prevent the salad from becoming mushy.
