Name: Delectable Layered Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 11
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups (710 ml) macaroni pasta, cooked and drained; 1 ¼ cups (296 ml) ham, diced; 3 cups (710 ml) romaine lettuce, chopped; ¼ cup (59 ml) cheddar cheese, shredded; ¼ cup (59 ml) mayonnaise; ¼ cup (59 ml) sour cream; ¼ cup (59 ml) red onion, finely diced; ½ cup (118 ml) green peas, thawed; ½ cup (118 ml) red bell pepper, diced; ⅓ cup (79 ml) celery, chopped; ⅓ cup (79 ml) black olives, chopped; 2 tsp (10 ml) Dijon mustard; 2 tsp (10 ml) white wine vinegar; 1 tsp (5 ml) sugar; ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt; ½ tsp (2.5 ml) black pepper; ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) Worcestershire sauce

Description

Summer’s classic Italian-inspired layered pasta salad showcases colorful ingredients with delightful Mediterranean flavors. Crisp vegetables, tender noodles, and zesty dressing create a perfect picnic companion you can enjoy chilled or at room temperature.

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups (710 ml) macaroni pasta, cooked and drained
1 ¼ cups (296 ml) ham, diced
3 cups (710 ml) romaine lettuce, chopped
¼ cup (59 ml) cheddar cheese, shredded
¼ cup (59 ml) mayonnaise
¼ cup (59 ml) sour cream
¼ cup (59 ml) red onion, finely diced
½ cup (118 ml) green peas, thawed
½ cup (118 ml) red bell pepper, diced
⅓ cup (79 ml) celery, chopped
⅓ cup (79 ml) black olives, chopped
2 tsp (10 ml) Dijon mustard
2 tsp (10 ml) white wine vinegar
1 tsp (5 ml) sugar
½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
½ tsp (2.5 ml) black pepper
¼ tsp (1.25 ml) Worcestershire sauce

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Instructions

Dressing Preparation: Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, white wine vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy.
Container Selection: Choose a clear glass dish or trifle container to showcase the salad’s vibrant layers.
Layer Foundation: Create the first stratum by spreading crisp romaine lettuce across the bottom, forming a fresh, green base.
Pasta and Vegetable Assembly: Evenly distribute cooled macaroni, then artfully arrange red bell pepper, red onion, green peas, and celery in successive layers, ensuring even coverage and visual appeal.
Protein and Flavor Enhancement: Sprinkle diced ham and black olives across the vegetable landscape, adding depth and savory notes.
Dressing and Cheese Finale: Drizzle the prepared dressing uniformly over the layers, then generously top with shredded cheddar cheese to complete the composition.
Flavor Melding: Seal the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 5-8 hours, allowing ingredients to harmonize and develop a rich, integrated taste profile.
Serving Preparation: Just before serving, gently toss the salad to ensure even dressing distribution and optimal flavor in every bite.

Notes

Chill for Flavor Fusion: Refrigerate the salad for at least 5 hours or overnight to allow ingredients to meld and develop a deeper, more complex taste profile.
Layer Strategically: Use a clear glass dish to showcase the beautiful, colorful layers and ensure even distribution of ingredients.
Dress Just Before Serving: Toss the salad gently right before serving to prevent soggy ingredients and maintain the perfect texture balance.
Customize with Creativity: Swap proteins or vegetables based on personal preference or seasonal availability to make the salad uniquely yours.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
Method: Blending
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 11
Calories: 210
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 380 mg
Fat: 9 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 24 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 8 g
Cholesterol: 30 mg