My go-to dish for a backyard bbq. People fuss over it every time!
Layered pasta salad is a delightful, visually appealing dish perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or as a hearty meal on its own. Combining fresh vegetables, savory meats, and a creamy dressing, this salad offers a burst of flavors and textures. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything from the ingredients and preparation steps to variations and tips for making the best layered pasta salad.
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Ingredients:
For the Dressing:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Mayo | 1/2 cup |
| Sour cream | 3/4 cup |
| White wine vinegar | 2 teaspoons |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Dijon mustard | 2 teaspoons |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
For the Salad:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Macaroni pasta, cooked and drained | 3 cups |
| Chopped romaine lettuce | 3 cups |
| Red bell pepper, diced | Half of 1 |
| Red onion, finely diced | 1/4 cup |
| Frozen green peas, thawed | 1/2 cup |
| Chopped celery | 1/3 cup |
| Diced ham | 1 1/2 cups |
| Black olives | 1/3 cup |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1/2 cup |
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!
