HOMEMADE PASTA SALAD

Homemade Pasta Salad image

I like to serve this colorful salad over a bed of leafy green lettuce for a pretty look. With its rich dressing of sour cream and dill, it makes a great change-of-pace pasta for picnics. -Julie Wilson of Chetek, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

2 cups uncooked tricolor spiral pasta
1 cup fat-free sour cream
1/2 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
1 tablespoon dill weed
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
Dash pepper
1/2 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
1 tablespoon water
1 cup cubed fully cooked lean ham
1 small onion, chopped
1 small sweet red pepper, chopped
1/2 cup cubed reduced-fat cheddar cheese
Leaf lettuce

Steps:

Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, for dressing, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, dill, garlic salt, mustard and pepper in a bowl; set aside. Rinse pasta in cold water and drain well; set aside., Cut the tips off six asparagus spears; chop the remaining asparagus. Place chopped asparagus and tips and water in a microwave-safe dish. Cover and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or until crisp-tender. Rinse with cold water; pat dry. Set aside asparagus tips for garnish., In a large bowl, combine the pasta, chopped asparagus, ham onion, red pepper and cheese. Add dressing and toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving. Serve in a lettuce-lined bowl; garnish with asparagus tips.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 293 calories, Fat 9g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 22mg cholesterol, Sodium 684mg sodium, Carbohydrate 36g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 16g protein. Diabetic Exchanges