This Layered Pasta Salad is as visually appealing as it is delicious, making it a fantastic centerpiece for potlucks, picnics, or any gathering. With a creamy, tangy dressing and layers of pasta, fresh vegetables, ham, and cheese, it offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors in every scoop.

Layered Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

Dressing:

Ingredient	Quantity
Mayo	1/2 cup
Sour cream	¾ cup
White wine vinegar	2 teaspoons
Sugar	1 teaspoon
Dijon mustard	2 teaspoons
Worcestershire sauce	½ teaspoon
Salt	1/2 teaspoon
Black pepper	½ teaspoon

Salad:

Ingredient	Quantity
Macaroni pasta, cooked and drained	3 cups
Chopped romaine lettuce	3 cups
Red bell pepper, diced	Half of 1
Red onion, finely diced	¼ cup
Frozen green peas, thawed	½ cup
Chopped celery	⅓ cup
Diced ham	1 ½ cups
Black olives	⅓ cup
Shredded cheddar cheese	½ cup

Instructions:

Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, sour cream, white wine vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper until well combined and smooth.
Layer the Salad: In a large trifle bowl or clear glass dish (to show off those beautiful layers!), begin assembling the salad by adding the ingredients in the following order:
- First, spread the chopped romaine lettuce evenly on the bottom.
- Next, add a layer of the cooked and drained macaroni pasta.
- Follow with layers of the diced red bell pepper, finely diced red onion, thawed frozen green peas, and chopped celery.
- Add the diced ham.
- Then, evenly distribute the black olives.
- Carefully pour the prepared dressing over the layers.
- Finish by sprinkling the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Chill: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 5 hours (or ideally longer, even overnight) to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
Serve: Just before serving, toss all the ingredients gently within the bowl to combine the dressing and ensure every bite is flavorful.