Broccolli, Ham & Pasta Salad

It's still summer folks and the heat is rising...You come home from a hard days work and you want something cool, yet tasty and good to eat. It helps if it's something that is healthy too..Like this!

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup(s) low-fat mayonnaise

1/3 cup(s) nonfat plain yogurt

1/4 cup(s) reduced-fat sour cream

3 tablespoon(s) rice vinegar or white-wine vinegar

1 tablespoon(s) Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon(s) honey, or more to taste

1 1/2 teaspoon(s) dried minced onion or dried chopped chives

1 1/4 teaspoon(s) dried tarragon or dill

1/2 teaspoon(s) onion salt or celery salt or 1/4 teaspoon of each

White pepper to taste

3 cup(s) (about 6 ounces dry) cooked whole-wheat fusilli or Penne pasta

4 cup(s) (about 1 1/2 large heads) chopped broccoli florets

1 1/2 cup(s) (8 ounces) diced ham, preferably reduced-sodium

1 large red or yellow bell pepper (or a combination), diced

1/4 cup(s) diced red onion, plus slices for garnish

1/3 cup(s) raisins

Freshly ground pepper to taste

4 cup(s) spinach leaves

DIRECTIONS:

1. To prepare dressing: Combine mayonnaise, yogurt, sour cream, vinegar, mustard, honey, onion (or chives), tarragon (or dill), and onion salt (and/or celery salt) in a bowl until well blended. Season with white pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings, if desired.
2. To prepare salad: Combine pasta, broccoli, ham, bell pepper, diced onion, and raisins in a large bowl. Add dressing and toss until evenly incorporated. Cover and refrigerate to blend the flavors for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 days.
3. Serve on a bed of spinach and radicchio, garnished with slices of red onion.

This goes well with a nice cariff of Ice Tea.

Enjoy!