How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

What ingredients do I need for Not Your Ordinary Macaroni Salad?

You need 14 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 (8 ounce) package macaroni noodles, 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, diced, 1 ½ cups cucumbers, diced, 1 ½ cups ham, cubed, and more.

Is Not Your Ordinary Macaroni Salad suitable as pasta & noodles?

Yes, Not Your Ordinary Macaroni Salad falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

How do I store leftover Not Your Ordinary Macaroni Salad?

Keep refrigerated in an airtight container and enjoy within 1–2 days for the best freshness. Best served cold — no reheating needed.

Not Your Ordinary Macaroni Salad Recipe

Name: Not Your Ordinary Macaroni Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 (8 ounce) package macaroni noodles; 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, diced; 1 ½ cups cucumbers, diced; 1 ½ cups ham, cubed; 1 jalapeno, diced; ¼ cup sweet onion, minced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; ½ cup mayonnaise; 4 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons vinegar; 1 (4 ounce) can olives, chopped; ½ tablespoon dill weed; ¼ teaspoon celery salt; black pepper

Fresh, crisp and full of flavor — this Not Your Ordinary Macaroni Salad is a must-try. Made with macaroni noodles, cheddar cheese, cucumbers and ham. Ea…

This Not Your Ordinary Macaroni Salad relies on simple, everyday ingredients such as sharp cheddar cheese, diced, cucumbers, diced, ham, cubed and jalapeno, diced. It comes together quickly and makes 4 servings, at about 918 kcal each. The step-by-step instructions below are written to be easy to follow, even on a busy day.

It's versatile enough for an easy weeknight dinner yet satisfying enough for guests at the weekend. Serve it with your favorite sides, and keep any leftovers for a quick meal the next day.

Updated Jun 30, 2026

Serves 4 Pasta & Noodles

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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Not Your Ordinary Macaroni Salad

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

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