Macaroni Salad for 100

Total Time

Prep: 20 min. + chilling

Makes

100 servings

Updated: Jun. 30, 2023
Whenever I make this traditional pasta salad, hungry guests leave few leftovers. I've been relying on this classic recipe for years.—Marna Dunn, Bullhead City, Arizona

Ingredients

  • 5 to 6 pounds fully cooked ham, cubed
  • 5 to 6 pounds macaroni, cooked and drained
  • 3 pounds shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 bags (20 ounces each) frozen peas, thawed
  • 2 bunches celery, chopped (about 12 cups)
  • 2 large onions, chopped (2 to 2-1/2 cups)
  • 2 cans (5-3/4 ounces each) pitted ripe olives, drained and sliced
  • DRESSING:
  • 8 cups mayonnaise
  • 1 bottle (8 ounces) Western or French salad dressing
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 cup half-and-half cream
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons onion salt
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons garlic salt
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper

Directions

  1. In several large bowls, combine the first seven ingredients. In a large bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients; pour over ham mixture and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate until serving.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 274 calories, 22g fat (6g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 607mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.