Description
This Layered Pasta Salad is the show-stopping side dish your BBQ has been missing! With creamy dressing, fresh veggies, savory ham, and tender pasta, it’s a make-ahead winner that gets better as it chills. Served in a clear dish, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Who Is This Recipe For?
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Anyone hosting a potluck, picnic, or backyard BBQ
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Fans of make-ahead meals and meal-prep
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People who want a hearty, refreshing salad with a creamy twist
⭐ Why It’s Great
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No last-minute prep—make it ahead!
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Loaded with layers of flavor and texture
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Kid- and crowd-friendly
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Customizable with your favorite veggies or proteins
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Perfect for summer parties and gatherings
️ Kitchen Equipment Needed
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Large trifle bowl or clear glass dish
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Mixing bowl
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Whisk
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Plastic wrap
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Salad tongs or serving spoon
Ingredients
Dressing:
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½ cup mayonnaise
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¾ cup sour cream
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2 tsp white wine vinegar
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1 tsp sugar
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2 tsp Dijon mustard
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½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
Salad:
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3 cups cooked macaroni pasta
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3 cups chopped romaine lettuce
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½ red bell pepper, diced
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¼ cup finely diced red onion
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½ cup thawed green peas
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⅓ cup chopped celery
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1½ cups diced ham
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⅓ cup black olives
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½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
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Make the Dressing:
Whisk together all dressing ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Set aside. -
Layer the Salad:
In a large glass bowl, layer in order:-
Lettuce
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Pasta
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Bell pepper
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Onion
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Peas
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Celery
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Ham
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Olives
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Spread dressing evenly
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Sprinkle cheese on top
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Chill:
Cover and refrigerate for at least 5 hours or overnight. -
Serve:
Toss gently before serving. Serve cold and enjoy!
Storage
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Refrigerator: Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Do Not Freeze: Mayo-based dressing doesn’t freeze well.
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Make-Ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours before serving for best results.
❓ FAQ
Can I substitute the ham?
Yes! Try cooked bacon, grilled chicken, or keep it vegetarian.
Can I use different pasta?
Absolutely—penne, rotini, or shells work great too.
How can I make it healthier?
Use light mayo/sour cream or Greek yogurt, and add more greens.
✅ Conclusion
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping for a potluck, this Layered Pasta Salad is guaranteed to steal the spotlight. Creamy, crunchy, and totally customizable—it’s your new go-to dish for any warm-weather celebration!
