Vibrant Veggie & Pasta Layered Salad – Dive into a world. Of flavor. And color. With this Vibrant Veggie & Pasta Layered Salad! Perfect for picnics. Potlucks. Or a wholesome family dinner. This salad is a delightful mix. Of crunchy vegetables. Tender pasta. And a creamy. Tangy dressing. Featuring ingredients like romaine lettuce. Red bell peppers. And macaroni pasta. This salad is not only a feast for the eyes. But also for the palate.
The first time I made this salad. Was for a family barbecue. Wanting to impress. Yet provide something wholesome. I decided to mix my favorite veggies with pasta. In a way. That was both visually appealing. And delicious. To my delight. It was a hit! My husband. Usually not a salad fan. Asked for seconds. And my child. Who’s picky with vegetables. Enjoyed it. Without question. It was a proud moment. That turned this salad. Into a family favorite.
What makes this Vibrant Veggie & Pasta Layered Salad truly special?
What sets this Vibrant Veggie & Pasta Layered Salad apart? Firstly, its eye-catching layers. Make it a centerpiece. At any table. It’s also incredibly versatile. Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies. Or add proteins. Like grilled chicken. Moreover, it’s make-ahead friendly. And ideal for busy schedules. The longer it sits. The more the flavors meld together. Creating a delicious experience. With each bite.
What You Need To Make This Vibrant Veggie & Pasta Layered Salad Recipe?
Mayonnaise and Sour Cream: These are the heart of your dressing. Blending together to create a creamy, comforting embrace. For every other ingredient in the salad.
White Wine Vinegar: Adds a little zest. Waking up the flavors. And making everything in the salad. Shine a bit brighter.
Sugar and Dijon Mustard: Sugar gently sweetens the mix. Balancing out the tang. While Dijon mustard adds a hint of spice and depth. Giving the dressing its memorable character.
Worcestershire Sauce: This is your secret flavor booster. Adding a touch of complexity. That makes the dressing uniquely delicious.
Salt and Black Pepper: The essentials for bringing all the tastes together. Salt and pepper adjust the flavors. Making sure everything sings in harmony.
The Veggie Ensemble: Crisp romaine lettuce forms the fresh, crunchy base of our salad. Red bell peppers add sweetness. And a pop of color. Red onions bring a bit of sharpness. Green peas introduce a sweet, tender texture. And celery adds its own crisp freshness.
Ham and Black Olives: The ham brings a savory depth to the salad. Complementing the veggies. While black olives add a hint of brininess and richness.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Like the final flourish. The cheese melts slightly into the salad. Tying all the diverse flavors. And textures together. Into one delicious whole.
Steps To Make Vibrant Veggie & Pasta Layered Salad:
Step 1: In a cozy corner of your kitchen. Whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. In a small bowl. Until smooth. This dressing is the secret to the salad’s irresistible allure.
Step 2: Take a large trifle bowl. Or any glass dish. That lets the layers shine through. Begin with a layer of crisp romaine lettuce at the bottom. Followed by a generous helping of tender macaroni pasta.
Step 3: Continue building the salad. With vibrant layers of diced red bell peppers, finely chopped red onions, sweet green peas, crunchy celery, savory diced ham, and rich black olives.
Step 4: Drizzle the creamy dressing over the top. Making sure it seeps into every layer. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese. Like a crown on top.
Step 5: Cover the bowl tightly. And let it chill in the fridge. For at least 5 hours. This wait, though hard. Allows the flavors. To mingle and deepen.
Step 6: When ready to serve. Toss everything together. To ensure each bite is enveloped in the creamy dressing. And full of the salad’s diverse textures and flavors.
Tip:
One pro tip. For making this Vibrant Veggie & Pasta Layered Salad truly stand out. Is to let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. Instead of just the recommended 5 hours. This extra time. Allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Enhancing the depth. And harmony of the dressing. With the veggies and pasta. Additionally. If you’re preparing this salad ahead of time. Consider adding the shredded cheddar cheese. And a final fresh layer of crisp veggies right before serving. This ensures the cheese remains slightly firm. And the top layer of vegetables maintains its crunch. Adding a delightful texture contrast. To the softened layers beneath. This little tweak. Elevates the dish. Making each bite. A perfect blend of flavors and textures. Showcasing the salad’s freshness. And your thoughtful preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this salad a day ahead?
Absolutely! It tastes even better. As the flavors have more time to meld. Just keep it refrigerated. Until you’re ready to serve.
What can I use instead of ham if I want a vegetarian option?
Grilled tofu or chickpeas. Make great protein-rich alternatives. Without compromising the salad’s integrity.
How can I prevent the salad from becoming soggy if made ahead?
Layering the ingredients. With the dressing. And cheese on top. Away from the more moisture-sensitive ingredients like lettuce, helps. Tossing the salad right before serving. Also keeps it fresh. And vibrant.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Vibrant Veggie & Pasta Layered Salad
Ingredients
Dressing:
- 1/2 c mayo
- 3/4 c sour cream
- 2 tsp white wine vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Salad:
- 3 c macaroni pasta cooked and drained
- 3 c chopped romaine lettuce
- 1/2 of 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1/4 c red onion finely diced
- 1/2 c frozen green peas thawed
- 1/3 c chopped celery
- 1 1/2 c diced ham
- 1/3 c black olives
- 1/2 c shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl. Combine mayo, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Layer the Salad: Grab a large trifle bowl. Or glass dish. Start with a layer of romaine lettuce at the bottom. Then add layers in the following order: macaroni pasta, diced red bell pepper, finely diced red onion, thawed green peas, chopped celery, diced ham, and black olives.
- Add Dressing and Cheese: Pour the dressing evenly. Over the top of the layered salad. Finish by sprinkling shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Chill: Cover the bowl tightly. With plastic wrap. Or a lid. Place it in the refrigerator. And let it chill. For at least 5 hours. Allowing the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Before serving. Toss the salad gently. To mix all the ingredients and dressing together. Enjoy!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
