ooking for a salad that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious? Look no further than our Layered Pasta Salad! This vibrant dish is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds, with layers of pasta, crisp vegetables, savory ham, and creamy dressing all coming together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue, potluck, or as a light lunch, this salad is sure to impress. So let’s dive into the layers of flavor and learn how to make this crowd-pleasing dish!
Ingredients:
. For the Dressing:
1/2 cup mayo
3/4 cup sour cream
2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
. For the Salad:
3 cups macaroni pasta, cooked and drained
3 cups chopped romaine lettuce
Half of 1 red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
1/2 cup frozen green peas, thawed
1/3 cup chopped celery
1 1/2 cups diced ham
1/3 cup black olives
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
Instructions:
Prepare the Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayo, sour cream, white wine vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
Assemble the Salad: In a large glass trifle dish or serving bowl, begin layering the ingredients. Start with a layer of cooked and drained macaroni pasta at the bottom of the dish.
Add the Lettuce: Next, add a layer of chopped romaine lettuce on top of the pasta, spreading it out evenly.
Layer the Vegetables: Continue layering with diced red bell pepper, finely diced red onion, thawed green peas, chopped celery, diced ham, and black olives, ensuring each layer is evenly distributed.
Drizzle with Dressing: Once all the layers are in place, drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the top of the salad, covering all the ingredients.
Top with Cheese: Finish off the salad by sprinkling shredded cheddar cheese over the dressing layer, adding a delicious cheesy finish.
Chill and Serve: Cover the layered pasta salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Cook Notes and Variations:
Customize the Veggies: Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, cucumber, carrots, or broccoli florets.
Swap the Protein: Substitute the diced ham with cooked chicken, turkey, or bacon for a different flavor profile.
Make it Vegetarian: Omit the ham and add extra vegetables or cooked chickpeas for a vegetarian-friendly version of the salad.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta? A: Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer in this recipe. Fusilli, penne, or rotini would all work well.
Q: How far in advance can I make this salad? A: Layered Pasta Salad can be made a day in advance. Simply cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
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