“LAYERED PASTA SALAD”
Immerse yourself in a culinary masterpiece that tantalizes the taste buds and satisfies the soul: the Layered Pasta Salad. Picture a symphony of flavors and textures, meticulously arranged in a vibrant display of colors and ingredients.
At first glance, this salad presents itself as a work of art, with layers of pasta intertwining with an assortment of fresh vegetables, cheeses, and savory meats. Each layer tells a story, creating a harmonious blend of tastes and aromas that dance on the palate with every bite.
Start with a base of al dente pasta, perfectly cooked to retain its firmness and texture. As you delve deeper, you’ll encounter a medley of crisp lettuce leaves, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and vibrant bell peppers, adding a burst of freshness and brightness to each forkful.
But the magic doesn’t stop there. Nestled between the layers are generous portions of creamy mozzarella, tangy feta, and sharp Parmesan cheese, lending richness and depth to the ensemble. And let’s not forget the savory accents of diced ham, succulent grilled chicken, or tender shrimp, adding protein-packed goodness to every bite.
As you savor each layer, you’ll discover a symphony of flavors that play off each other harmoniously. The tangy vinaigrette dressing drizzled over the top adds a zesty kick, tying all the ingredients together into a delectable masterpiece that’s as satisfying to the taste buds as it is pleasing to the eye.
Whether enjoyed as a refreshing side dish at a summer picnic or as a hearty meal on its own, the Layered Pasta Salad is a culinary adventure that promises to delight and impress. So grab a fork and dig in, and prepare to experience a taste sensation like no other.
DRESSING
- 1/2 cup mayo
- ¾ cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoon dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
SALAD
- 3 cups macaroni pasta, cooked and drained
- 3 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- Half of 1 red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- ½ cup frozen green peas, thawed
- ⅓ cup chopped celery
- 1 ½ cups diced ham
- ⅓ cup black olives
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
How To Make Layered Pasta Salad
- In a small bowl, mix together mayo, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, dijon, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper.
- In a large trifle bowl or glass dish, begin layering the ingredients: lettuce first, then pasta, peppers, red onions, peas, celery, ham, olives, dressing, and cheese.
- Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 5 hours.
- Toss right before serving.