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If you’re missing classic macaroni salad but want to keep things keto, this Keto Ham and Cheese Macaroni Salad is the perfect solution! Packed with the rich flavors of ham, cheese, and a creamy dressing, it’s the ideal side dish for your next BBQ, picnic, or even a weeknight dinner. This low-carb version uses keto-friendly pasta alternatives, making it a delicious, guilt-free way to enjoy a classic favorite. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or prepping meals for the week, this salad is sure to be a hit with both keto and non-keto eaters alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Keto-Friendly: This salad keeps all the creamy, savory goodness of the classic macaroni salad but without the carbs.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge, so it’s ready for lunch or dinner.
- Tasty & Satisfying: With the combination of smoky ham, sharp cheese, and the creamy dressing, every bite is full of flavor.
- Versatile: This salad works great as a side dish, a lunch option, or even a light dinner.
- Quick & Easy: Simple ingredients and a straightforward method make this recipe perfect for any cook, regardless of skill level.
My Personal Experience
As a keto enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for ways to adapt my favorite dishes to fit my lifestyle. This Keto Ham and Cheese Macaroni Salad was an absolute game-changer! I remember making it for a family picnic, and even the non-keto folks couldn’t believe it was low-carb. The creamy dressing combined with the smoky ham and sharp cheese brought everything together perfectly. It quickly became a staple in my meal prep routine—easy to make, full of flavor, and so satisfying!
Gather These Tools Before You Start Cooking!
- Mixing Bowl: You’ll need a large bowl to toss all your ingredients together. A wide, deep bowl makes mixing the salad easy, and I personally love using a glass one so I can see the colors pop as the ingredients mix.
- Cutting Board & Knife: For chopping the ham, cheese, and any other additions, a sharp knife and a stable cutting board are essential. I recommend using a dedicated knife for cutting meats to avoid any cross-contamination with veggies.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: To get the dressing just right, measuring your ingredients is key! Accurate measurements will help you achieve that perfect creamy texture.
- Colander (for pasta alternatives): If you’re using low-carb pasta, be sure to drain it well. A good colander will help ensure that your pasta doesn’t have too much extra moisture.
- Whisk: To blend the dressing together smoothly. You’ll want everything to mix evenly, and a whisk does the job perfectly!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Keto Pasta (or cauliflower florets): The pasta is essential for texture, but if you want to go even lower-carb, you can substitute it with cooked cauliflower florets. I personally prefer using a low-carb pasta for the authentic texture.
- Diced Ham: You’ll need about 1 ½ cups of diced ham. This brings a smoky, savory flavor to the salad. If you’re not a fan of ham, you can substitute it with cooked bacon or rotisserie chicken.
- Shredded Cheese (cheddar or mozzarella): Around 1 cup of shredded cheese is perfect. Sharp cheddar works best, but feel free to use mozzarella or any cheese you prefer.
- Mayonnaise: About ½ cup to create the creamy dressing. I use a full-fat mayonnaise to keep it rich and keto-friendly. You can substitute with a dairy-free mayo if you prefer.
- Dijon Mustard: Just a tablespoon adds a nice tang to balance out the creaminess of the mayo.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: A splash of vinegar adds a bit of acidity, which enhances the flavor of the entire dish.
- Celery: Chop about 1 stalk of celery for crunch. You can skip this if you’re not a fan, or use cucumber for a refreshing twist.
- Salt & Pepper: Season to taste, but don’t skip the seasoning as it brings all the flavors together.
How to Make Keto Ham and Cheese Macaroni Salad
- Cook your pasta (or cauliflower): If you’re using keto pasta, cook it according to the package instructions, then drain and let it cool. For cauliflower, simply steam it lightly until tender but still firm.
- Chop the ham and cheese: Dice your ham and shred the cheese. Make sure the pieces are bite-sized for an even distribution throughout the salad.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Adjust to taste as needed.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta (or cauliflower), diced ham, shredded cheese, and chopped celery.
- Toss and coat: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. Make sure everything is well coated.
- Chill and serve: Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps all the flavors meld together.
Tips for this Recipe
- For the Best Texture: Make sure your pasta (or cauliflower) is cooled down before tossing it with the dressing to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- Dressing Consistency: If you prefer a thinner dressing, add a teaspoon of water or extra vinegar. It’s all about finding the right consistency for your taste.
- Adjust the Flavor: Feel free to add more mustard or vinegar if you like a tangier flavor. I personally enjoy adding a pinch of garlic powder for a subtle garlic kick!
Optional Additions
- Pickles: Add some chopped dill pickles or relish to introduce a tangy contrast to the creamy salad.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a bit of sharpness and color.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs: For an extra boost of protein, chopped hard-boiled eggs are a great addition.
- Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle some chopped parsley or chives on top for a burst of fresh flavor.
Serving Ideas
- As a Side Dish: This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, keto burgers, or even a keto-friendly sandwich.
- For Meal Prep: Portion this salad into individual containers for a quick grab-and-go lunch throughout the week.
- On its Own: It’s hearty enough to be a meal on its own—just serve with some extra veggies on the side for a complete meal.
Storage Recommendations
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: While this salad can be stored, I don’t recommend freezing it as the texture of the dressing and cheese may change once thawed.
- Reheating: If you have any leftovers that you want to warm up, gently heat the salad in a microwave-safe dish, but I find this dish is best served chilled.
Make It a Meal: Pair with These Keto Sides
Looking for some keto-friendly side dishes to complement your Keto Ham and Cheese Macaroni Salad? Here are some great options that will take your meal to the next level:
- Garlic Butter Roasted Asparagus: The rich, savory flavor of roasted asparagus with garlic butter pairs wonderfully with the creamy, cheesy salad.
- Keto Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy, roasted Brussels sprouts with a touch of bacon add a crunchy contrast to the smoothness of the macaroni salad.
- Zucchini Noodles: For a light and refreshing side, zucchini noodles tossed with olive oil, garlic, and parmesan are perfect.
- Keto Garlic Bread: Make a low-carb garlic bread using almond flour or coconut flour for a perfect keto complement to this salad.
These keto sides will not only complement your Keto Ham and Cheese Macaroni Salad but also add variety to your meal while keeping things low-carb and delicious.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Mozzarella, Swiss, or even a little bit of blue cheese can be used for different flavor profiles.
How can I make this salad dairy-free?
You can easily substitute the cheese and mayonnaise with dairy-free alternatives to fit your dietary needs.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld together in the fridge.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280
- Total Carbs: 6g
- Net Carbs: 4g
- Fat: 22g
- Protein: 18g
Keto Ham and Cheese Macaroni Salad Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Cutting Board & Knife
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- Colander (for pasta alternatives)
- Whisk
Ingredients
- Keto Pasta or cauliflower florets – 2 cups
- Diced Ham – 1 ½ cups
- Shredded Cheese – 1 cup
- Mayonnaise – ½ cup
- Dijon Mustard – 1 tbsp
- Apple Cider Vinegar – 1 tbsp
- Celery – 1 stalk
- Salt & Pepper – to taste
Instructions
- Cook the keto pasta according to package instructions or steam the cauliflower florets until tender.
- Chop the ham and shred the cheese into bite-sized pieces.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Combine the pasta (or cauliflower), diced ham, shredded cheese, and chopped celery in a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
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