Ultimate Layered Pasta Salad (Make-Ahead Classic)

🥗 Salad Layers

In a clear trifle bowl or deep glass dish, begin layering the following ingredients in this order for the best visual and textural effect:

1. 3 cups cooked macaroni pasta, rinsed and cooled

2. 3 cups chopped romaine lettuce (pat dry for crispness)

3. ½ red bell pepper, diced

4. ¼ cup finely diced red onion

5. ½ cup frozen green peas, thawed

6. ⅓ cup chopped celery

7. 1½ cups diced ham

8. ⅓ cup sliced black olives

9. 2–3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional but recommended)

10. Fresh chopped parsley or dill (optional garnish)

11. Drizzle dressing evenly across the top

12. ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

🕒 To Finish

• Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid.

• Refrigerate for at least 5 hours, preferably overnight.

• Toss just before serving, or serve it layered and let guests dig in vertically!

💡 Tips:

• Want it vegetarian? Swap ham for diced grilled tofu or extra cheese.

• Pasta alternatives like rotini or bowtie add a fun twist.

• Add cherry tomatoes or cucumber for more color and freshness.