Macaroni Salad with Ham, Peas and Dill

This Philly Girl seems to be dreaming of warmer weather BBQ's and picnics... I've been drawn to fun side dishes lately and this hearty salad is a good example of that. I had some leftover ham and as soon as I saw dill on the ingredient list, just had to whip up this Macaroni Salad with Ham, Peas and Dill. While I've added tuna to macaroni salad many times, ham and peas were different, and really good:@)

I have lots of random thoughts about this Food Network salad:

• This is a great side dish and hearty enough for a main dish. The recipe is also easily reduced, I just made a bowl for lunch.
• I wanted to try sour cream as something new in a salad and while it was fine, I'll stick to mayo.
• The biggest complaints in the FN comments about this recipe: the amount of salt, vinegar, olive oil and mustard. I always say that's the great thing about cooking for ourselves, make it how you like it-you know your crowd! Cut back on the recipe and add these ingredients a little at a time to taste.
• Love adding lots of extra cool, crunchy celery to summer salads.
• Used dill weed, didn't have fresh. Simple rule of thumb, use about 1/3 of what's called for fresh (1 Tblsp fresh=1 tsp of dry). I suggest starting out with less and adding more to taste, especially for a strong herb like dill.
• I used half whole wheat pasta. 
• A little pinch of sugar never hurt anything:@)
• You may have noticed I added the bacon label, I think it would be seriously good in this.
• My biggest tip: I added a big ole heaping spoonful of sweet relish to the top of my bowl for lunch... I do highly recommend that!

Macaroni Salad with Ham, Peas and Dill-from Food Network
1/4 medium red onion, minced-I used a yellow onion
2 tsp kosher salt-adjust to taste
2 C dry elbow macaroni, cooked and run under cold water to chill
2 Tblsp milk-I didn't use this
2 Tblsp white wine vinegar-I added a splash of cider vinegar
1 Tblsp Dijon mustard-I added a little squirt
freshly ground black pepper
1/3 C olive oil-I did not add this
1/3 C sour cream-I used low fat
6oz ham, cut into cubes-I tossed in what I had
3/4 C frozen peas, thawed
2 ribs celery, diced-left mine in hearty slices
2 Tblsp fresh dill, chopped-I used dry
lots of sweet relish-optional-but recommended
~ Mix everything well and keep chilled until serving time-it can be that easy folks...
~ If you'd like more exact directions, how-to's and why's please see the FN link HERE.

Eat well and have a happy day:@)

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