Crunchy and summery, this colorful salad can serve as first course, side-dish salad, or part of a buffet. Although ham is included, it functions as a flavoring, not a main ingredient.
Set water chestnuts on steamer rack over boiling water. Cover and steam 5 minutes. Scrub both kinds of squash; place alongside chestnuts. Cover and steam until squash dents easily when pressed—5 minutes.
Place squash and chestnuts in ice water; cool. Drain thoroughly. Slice squash in thin coins. Peel chestnuts and do the same. Combine in serving dish with ham a