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Creamy Dill Pasta Salad

This creamy dill pasta salad is a family favorite made with tender cavatappi pasta, cubed ham, cheddar cheese, crisp bell pepper, and carrots—all tossed in a tangy sour cream and mayo dressing. Perfect for summer lunches, picnics, or make-ahead meals.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 people

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz Cavatappi pasta (uncooked) [see NOTES 1 for substitutions]
  • 4 oz cooked ham (cubed) [see NOTES 2 for substitutions]
  • 1 bell pepper (any color – diced) [see NOTES 3 for substitutions]
  • 8oz Cheddar Cheese (cubed) [see NOTES 4 for substitutions]
  • 4 oz carrot (diced)
  • ¼ teaspoon dried dill weed [see NOTES 5 for substitutions]
  • ⅛ tsp garlic powder
  • ⅛ tsp onion powder
  • ½ cup sour cream [see NOTES 6 for substitutions]
  • ½ cup American Mayonnaise [see NOTES 7 for substitutions]
  • kosher salt (to taste)
  • freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Rinse with cold water.

  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayo, dill, garlic & onion powders, salt, and pepper.

  3. Add diced ham, pepper, carrot, cheddar and cooled pasta to the bowl of mix-ins, then toss together.

  4. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving. Stir again and adjust seasoning if needed.

Equipment

Notes

SUBSTITUTIONS/SUGGESTIONS

  1. CAVATAPPI PASTA: You can substitute rotini or elbow macaroni if needed.
  2. COOKED HAM: You can substitute with bacon, chicken breasts, or smoked salmon
  3. BELL PEPPER: You can substitute peas, broccoli (chopped into bite sized pieces)
  4. CHEDDAR CHEESE: You can substitute Colby Jack, or mozzarella cheese.
  5. DRIED DILL WEED: You can substitute 1 teaspoon fresh dill.
  6. SOUR CREAM: You can substitute Greek Yogurt.
  7. MAYONNAISE: You can substitute mix half with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.

JENN’S FAMILY KITCHEN TIPS:

    • Make it ahead: This dish tastes even better after a day in the fridge—perfect for prepping the night before a picnic or potluck.
    • Brighten it up: A squeeze of lemon or a dash of white wine vinegar can add extra zing if you love a little tang.
    • Lunchbox win: Pack in a chilled thermos or lidded container—it holds up beautifully for school or work lunches.

  • Author: Jenn Giam Smith
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Chill Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad, Side Dish, Sides
  • Method: stove top, fridge
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://www.jenn-smith.com/creamy-dill-pasta-salad/