Description
Pink Cadillac Pasta Salad is a vibrant, creamy side dish perfect for potlucks, BBQs, and picnics. This retro-inspired pasta salad recipe is tangy, sweet, and packed with ham, veggies, and a stunning pink dressing. It’s a nostalgic and fun twist on classic cold pasta salad. Ideal for summer gatherings and meal prep!
Ingredients
225g elbow macaroni or small pasta shells
180g mayonnaise
3 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons white vinegar
2 tablespoons sweet relish
200g diced ham or turkey
2 celery stalks, chopped
1/2 small red onion, finely diced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Let cool completely.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, vinegar, and sweet relish until smooth and pink. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Add cooled pasta to the bowl, followed by diced ham or turkey, chopped celery, and red onion. Gently fold everything until evenly coated.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld. Stir before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
Use full-fat mayo for the creamiest texture.
Let it chill at least an hour so the flavors develop.
Swap the ham for chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Pasta Salad
- Method: Mixing, Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 35mg