HAM PASTA SALAD

"I never seem to make enough of this salad. When people see the recipe they look at me as if I am a little odd... but when they eat it they cannot seem stop... This recipe is great for kids and adults alike. The garlic is optional. Also, to lighten up the salad, substitute light OR FAT-FREE mayonnaise, light OR FAT-FREE sour cream, and turkey ham." Submitted by: Karena Serves: Original recipe makes 6 (change) Hands-on Time: 15 Minutes Cook Time: 12 Minutes Total Time: 27 Minutes

What you need:
8 ounces ziti pasta
1 pound cooked ham, cubed
1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 large green bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 large red onion, coarsely chopped
15 small sweet pickles, chopped, juice reserved
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
2 1/2 teaspoons beef bouillon granules
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
What you do:
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
In a large bowl, mix together the drained pasta, ham, peppers, onion, pickles and tomatoes.
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, beef bouillon granules, vinegar, salt, pepper, garlic and 1/2 cup of reserved pickle juice. Fold into the salad and toss gently until evenly coated. Chill overnight to allow the flavors to blend. Serve near room temperature.