Festive Layered Salad(Makes 8 Servings)
Festive layered salad features crisp vegetables, savory ham, creamy mayonnaise, and Swiss cheese, making it a colorful and satisfying dish perfect for family gatherings or holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 c. small macaroni shells ⓘ
- 4 c. shredded romaine lettuce ⓘ
- 4 carrots, pared and cut into 2-inch sticks ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen green peas, thawed ⓘ
- 1 small red onion, halved, sliced crosswise and separated into rings ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. cooked ham, cut into 1/2-inch cubes ⓘ
- 2 oz. shredded Swiss cheese ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. mayonnaise ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. snipped fresh dill ⓘ
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. dill weed ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni shells following package directions. Drain well in a colander and cool to room temperature.
- Place shredded romaine lettuce in an even layer in the bottom of a 3-quart clear glass bowl.
- Arrange the carrot sticks in an even layer over the lettuce.
- Cover with a layer of cooked macaroni shells, then add the thawed green peas, sliced red onion, and cubed cooked ham.
- Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese on top of the layered ingredients.
- Combine the mayonnaise and dill in a small bowl to make the dressing.
- Mound the mayonnaise and dill mixture over the layered ingredients.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill several hours.
- Just before serving, toss the salad well to coat all layers with the dressing.
Tips & Substitutions
To add extra flavor, consider mixing in some chopped bell peppers or cucumbers for crunch. If you're short on time, you can substitute the fresh dill with dill seasoning. For a lighter version, swap out half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. Make sure the macaroni is completely cooled before layering to avoid wilting the lettuce.
Serving Suggestions
This festive layered salad pairs beautifully with Crock-Pot Port Wine Ham for a delightful meal. For a complete feast, serve with Boston Style Beans and some crusty bread on the side. It's perfect for potlucks or holiday gatherings, where it can serve as a colorful centerpiece on your table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The ingredients may soften over time, so it's best to enjoy it fresh. If you want to keep the layers intact, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving to maintain the crispness of the vegetables.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Festive Layered Salad(Makes 8 Servings) contains roughly 1061 calories, with 23g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (64% of the Daily Value), calcium (51% of the Daily Value), and protein (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 860mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a day ahead. Just layer the ingredients and cover it with plastic wrap. However, add the dressing right before serving to keep the veggies fresh and crisp.
What can I substitute for ham?
If you prefer a meatless option, you can substitute the ham with chickpeas or diced tofu for protein. Alternatively, try cooked chicken or turkey for a different flavor profile.
How can I make this salad gluten-free?
To make this salad gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta instead of regular macaroni shells. Ensure that all other ingredients, especially the mayonnaise, are labeled gluten-free for a safe meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).