Stacked Italian Pasta Salad

Introduction

Stacked Italian Pasta Salad is a colorful, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for potlucks, summer parties, and family gatherings. Built in beautiful layers inside a clear bowl, it shows off fresh veggies, tender pasta, and savory ham, all sealed with a creamy, tangy dressing. The top layer of dressing keeps everything crisp and flavorful, so it can chill for hours and still taste fresh when it’s time to serve.

Ingredients

Creamy Dressing

• ¾ cup sour cream
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustardADVERTISEMENT
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Salad Layers

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• 3 cups cooked macaroni (cooled)
• 3 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 1½ cups diced ham
• ½ cup frozen peas, thawed
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheeseADVERTISEMENT
• ½ red bell pepper, diced
• ¼ cup finely diced red onion
• ⅓ cup sliced black olives
• ⅓ cup chopped celery

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dressing
   In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy. Set aside.ADVERTISEMENT
2. Start the Layers
   In a large clear trifle bowl or deep glass dish, spread the chopped romaine lettuce evenly across the bottom.
3. Add the Pasta
   Spoon the cooked, cooled macaroni over the lettuce and gently level it out.
4. Add the Vegetables
   Layer the bell pepper, red onion, peas, and celery evenly over the pasta.
5. Add Protein and Olives
   Spread the diced ham over the vegetables, then scatter the sliced black olives on top.
6. Seal with Dressing and Cheese
   Carefully spread the dressing over the top, pressing gently to the edges to seal in the layers. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the dressing.
7. Chill
   Cover and refrigerate for at least 5 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
8. Toss and Serve
   Just before serving, use large spoons or tongs to gently toss the salad so all layers are evenly mixed.

Conclusion

This Stacked Italian Pasta Salad is as beautiful as it is delicious, making it a perfect centerpiece for any gathering. With its creamy dressing, crisp vegetables, and hearty pasta and ham, it’s satisfying, refreshing, and easy to make ahead. Serve it chilled and watch it disappear fast—this is one potluck recipe everyone will ask for again.