Bright, colorful, and packed with fresh flavors, this Layered Pasta Salad is a show-stopping dish that’s perfect for any gathering! Featuring layers of crisp vegetables, tender pasta, savory cheese, and a creamy dressing, this salad is as delicious as it is beautiful. Ideal for picnics, potlucks, or family dinners, each layer brings a unique texture and taste that blend together perfectly.
Quick to assemble and easy to customize, this layered pasta salad is a refreshing and satisfying option that’s sure to impress everyone around the table!
- Ingredients
DRESSING
1/2 cup mayo
¾ cup sour cream
2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
2 teaspoon dijon mustard
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
SALAD
3 cups macaroni pasta, cooked and drained
3 cups chopped romaine lettuce
Half of 1 red bell pepper, diced
¼ cup red onion, finely diced
½ cup frozen green peas, thawed
⅓ cup chopped celery
1 ½ cups diced ham
⅓ cup black olives
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- How To Make
In a small bowl, mix together mayo, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, dijon, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper.
In a large trifle bowl or glass dish, begin layering the ingredients: lettuce first, then pasta, peppers, red onions, peas, celery, ham, olives, dressing, and cheese.
Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 5 hours.
Toss right before serving.
Tips for making the perfect Layered Pasta Salad :
Choose Sturdy Pasta: Pick a pasta shape like rotini, penne, or bowties. These shapes hold up well to layering and help capture the dressing and flavors.
Prep Ingredients in Advance: Chop all vegetables and prepare any protein (like chicken or bacon) before assembling. This makes layering faster and keeps ingredients fresh and crisp.
Cool the Pasta Completely: After cooking, rinse the pasta with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it quickly. Adding dressing to warm pasta can make it soggy.
Use a Clear Bowl: A glass bowl or trifle dish shows off the beautiful layers, making it a centerpiece-worthy dish.
Layer Smartly: Start with sturdier ingredients (like pasta and firm vegetables) at the bottom, and layer softer or more delicate ingredients on top. This helps prevent ingredients from becoming mushy.
Add Dressing Right Before Serving: If possible, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve, then drizzle it on top or mix it gently. This keeps the salad crisp and fresh.
Customize with Fresh Herbs or Cheese: Garnish with chopped fresh herbs, like parsley or basil, or sprinkle with grated cheese for added flavor and a pop of color.
With these tips, your Layered Pasta Salad will be vibrant, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion!
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