Layered Pasta Salad
This Layered Pasta Salad is a visual showstopper, perfect for potlucks and summer gatherings. By using a glass trifle bowl, you can see each vibrant layer of fresh vegetables, savory ham, and tender macaroni. The creamy dressing acts as a seal, allowing the flavors to develop over several hours in the fridge without the lettuce becoming wilted.
ADVERTISEMENT
Layered Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
| THE CREAMY DRESSING | AMOUNT |
| Sour cream | 3/4 cup |
| Mayonnaise | 1/2 cup |
| White wine vinegar | 2 teaspoons |
| Dijon mustard | 2 teaspoons |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt and black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon each |
| THE SALAD LAYERS | AMOUNT |
| Macaroni pasta (cooked & drained) | 3 cups |
| Romaine lettuce, chopped | 3 cups |
| Diced ham | 1 1/2 cups |
| Frozen green peas, thawed | 1/2 cup |
| Cheddar cheese, shredded | 1/2 cup |
| Red bell pepper, diced | 1/2 pepper |
| Red onion, finely diced | 1/4 cup |
| Black olives, sliced | 1/3 cup |
| Celery, chopped | 1/3 cup |
How To Make Layered Pasta Salad:
Step 1: Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup of mayo, 3/4 cup of sour cream, vinegar, sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir until completely smooth and set aside.
ADVERTISEMENT
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients: Using a large glass trifle bowl or a deep glass dish, layer the ingredients in the following order to ensure the best texture:
ADVERTISEMENT
-
Lettuce: Place the 3 cups of chopped romaine at the very bottom.
-
Pasta: Add the 3 cups of cooked macaroni over the lettuce.
-
Vegetables: Layer the diced red peppers, red onions, thawed peas, and celery.
-
Proteins: Add the 1 1/2 cups of diced ham and the 1/3 cup of olives.
-
Seal: Spread the dressing evenly over the top, making sure to push it to the edges of the glass to “seal” the layers.
-
Top: Sprinkle the 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the dressing.
Step 3: Chill and Set: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 5 hours (overnight is even better). This chilling time is essential for the flavors to meld and the pasta to absorb the seasoning.
Step 4: Toss and Serve: Wait until you are ready to serve before tossing the salad. Use large salad tongs to mix all the layers together so every bite has a bit of everything.
