Best Layered Spring Pasta Salad

Ouadie Rhabbouron

✨ Layer Up the Flavor: The Best Layered Spring Pasta Salad ✨

This vibrant, make-ahead "Best Layered Spring Pasta Salad" is an absolute showstopper for potlucks, picnics, and warm-weather entertaining. Served in a clear glass bowl, the beautiful layers of fresh veggies, savory ham, tender pasta, and creamy dressing are a feast for the eyes before you even take a bite! It's a satisfying side dish that only gets better as the flavors meld overnight.

 

🥗 Ingredients

 

 

For the Creamy Garlic-Herb Dressing

 

  • ½ cup Mayonnaise (full-fat recommended)
  • ¾ cup Sour Cream
  • 1 Tablespoon White Wine Vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
  • 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar
  • 2-3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon Salt
  • ½ teaspoon Black Pepper

 

For the Layered Salad

 

  • 1 (16 oz) box Small Pasta (Bowties/Farfalle, Mini Shells, or Macaroni), cooked al dente and cooled
  • 3 cups Romaine Lettuce, chopped (your base layer)
  • 1 cup Frozen Green Peas, thawed
  • 1 cup Diced Cooked Ham (or substitute with rotisserie chicken, crispy bacon, or chickpeas for vegetarian)
  • 1 cup Canned Artichoke Hearts, drained and quartered (optional, but highly recommended)
  • ¾ cup Radishes, thinly sliced
  • ¾ cup Green Onions (scallions), chopped
  • ½ cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese or Shaved Parmesan Cheese (for topping)

 

👩‍🍳 Instructions

 

 

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

 

  1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until completely smooth and creamy.
  2. Taste and Adjust: If you like it tangier, add a bit more lemon juice or vinegar. If you prefer a richer flavor, a pinch more salt or pepper works wonders.
  3. Cover the dressing and refrigerate while you assemble the salad. This allows the flavors to deepen.

 

Step 2: Cook and Cool the Pasta

 

  1. Cook your chosen pasta according to package directions until it is al dente (firm to the bite). Do not overcook.
  2. Drain the pasta well and immediately rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down completely. This prevents the pasta from sticking together.
  3. Set the cooled pasta aside.

 

Step 3: Layer the Salad

 

  1. Choose a large, clear glass serving bowl (like a trifle bowl or a 3-quart glass dish) to showcase the layers.
  2. Start the Layers in the following order:
    • Layer 1 (Base): Spread the chopped Romaine Lettuce evenly across the bottom.
    • Layer 2: Add the cooled Pasta.
    • Layer 3: Sprinkle the thawed Green Peas.
    • Layer 4: Add the diced Ham.
    • Layer 5: Distribute the quartered Artichoke Hearts.
    • Layer 6: Arrange the sliced Radishes.
    • Layer 7: Top with the chopped Green Onions.
  3. Use the back of a large spoon or an offset spatula to gently press each layer down and level it before adding the next.

 

Step 4: Chill and Finish

 

  1. Gently spread the chilled Creamy Garlic-Herb Dressing over the top layer of green onions, making sure to seal the dressing all the way to the edges of the bowl. This "seal" helps keep the ingredients fresh.
  2. Sprinkle the top generously with the Shredded Cheddar or Shaved Parmesan Cheese.
  3. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight (12 hours). This chilling time is essential for the flavors to fully develop and for the dressing to seep down into the layers.

 

Step 5: Serve

 

  1. Bring the salad out and let everyone admire your gorgeous creation!
  2. Just before serving, use two large serving spoons or spatulas to gently toss the salad from the bottom up. This ensures the dressing is distributed and all the ingredients are mixed together for the best flavor combination in every bite.
  3. Serve immediately!

 

💡 Pro Tips & Variations

 

  • Make it Vegetarian: Simply omit the ham and add 1-2 cups of canned, rinsed chickpeas or cannellini beans for a protein boost.
  • Other Veggies: Feel free to swap in other spring favorites like chopped celery, diced cucumber, or halved cherry tomatoes.
  • The Perfect Seal: Spreading the dressing edge-to-edge is key. It acts as a barrier, preventing the air from reaching the lower layers and keeping the lettuce and pasta fresh.
  • Individual Servings: For a sophisticated touch, assemble the layers in small clear glasses or mason jars for single-serving portions!

Enjoy this stunning and delicious salad!

For Complete Cooking STEPS Please Head On Over To Next Page Or Open button (>) and don’t forget to SHARE with your Facebook friends.