This Layered Pasta Salad is a colorful, hearty twist on the classic salad that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. Built in beautiful layers, it combines tender macaroni, crisp romaine, sweet peas, savory ham, crunchy vegetables, and sharp cheddar—all tied together with a creamy, tangy dressing that adds depth and flavor. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish for potlucks, summer gatherings, or holiday spreads.
Each bite delivers a mix of textures and flavors, from creamy to crunchy, salty to sweet. As it chills, the layers meld together just enough to enhance the flavor while keeping their structure. The result is a salad that looks impressive in the bowl and tastes even better on the plate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Beautifully layered for visual impact and texture
• Loaded with pasta, meat, veggies, and cheese for a full meal in one bowl
• Perfect for making ahead and serving to a crowd
Ingredients
Dressing
½ cup mayonnaise
¾ cup sour cream
2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Salad
3 cups macaroni pasta, cooked and drained
3 cups chopped romaine lettuce
½ red bell pepper, diced
¼ cup red onion, finely diced
½ cup frozen green peas, thawed
⅓ cup chopped celery
1½ cups diced ham
⅓ cup black olives
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
How To Make Layered Pasta Salad
Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, white wine vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Assemble the Salad
In a large clear trifle bowl or wide glass dish, layer the ingredients in the following order for best visual effect and texture separation:
Start with chopped romaine lettuce as the base
Spoon the cooked and cooled macaroni pasta on top of the lettuce
Add diced red bell peppers
Sprinkle in finely diced red onion
Add thawed green peas
Layer chopped celery evenly
Add diced ham across the top
Scatter black olives over the ham
Spread the prepared dressing evenly over the top layer, using a spatula to smooth it out completely and seal the layers underneath
Finish with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese on top
Chill
Cover the salad tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 5 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to develop and the dressing to settle into the layers.
Serve
Just before serving, toss the salad gently to mix the layers together or leave it beautifully layered and allow guests to scoop from top to bottom.
Tips for Success
• Use a clear bowl to show off the layers—it makes a big visual impact
• Make sure the pasta is fully cooled before layering to avoid wilting the lettuce
• Add crispy bacon, sliced hard-boiled eggs, or chopped pickles for extra flavor
Storage Options
Refrigerate tightly covered for up to 3 days
Not freezer-friendly due to the creamy dressing and fresh vegetables
Stir before serving if made ahead to redistribute the dressing and moisture
