⅓ cup sliced black olives
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Tip: Feel free to use a clear glass trifle bowl, punch bowl, or any large see-through serving dish — it helps showcase the layers beautifully.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Creamy Dressing
In a small mixing bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients: mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
Whisk until the mixture is creamy and well blended. Set it aside while you build the salad — this gives the flavors a moment to meld.
2. Cook and Cool the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your macaroni pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down. Set aside to fully drain.
Make sure the pasta is completely cool before layering — this helps keep the lettuce crisp and prevents early wilting.
3. Assemble the Salad in Layers
Here’s the fun part: assembling your masterpiece.
In a large glass trifle dish or bowl, layer the ingredients in the following order for best visual appeal and texture distribution:
Base Layer – Romaine Lettuce: Spread the chopped romaine evenly along the bottom.
Second Layer – Pasta: Add your cooled macaroni on top of the lettuce.
Third Layer – Vegetables: Scatter the diced red bell pepper, red onion, thawed peas, and celery across the pasta.
Fourth Layer – Ham: Add a generous layer of diced ham for that savory protein boost.
Fifth Layer – Olives: Sprinkle the sliced black olives evenly across the top.
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