A Stunning, Fresh Salad That Steals the Show
This Layered Spring Pasta Salad is as delicious as it is beautiful. Packed with vibrant seasonal ingredients and layered with precision, it’s the kind of dish that turns heads at potlucks, picnics, or springtime gatherings. Tender bowtie pasta is combined with crisp romaine, peas, soybeans, ham, artichoke hearts, and colorful radishes—each layer adding flavor, texture, and visual appeal.
What really ties it all together is a creamy, zesty dressing full of herbs, garlic, and citrus. It’s light enough for lunch but satisfying enough to serve as a full meal. And the best part? You can make it ahead of time and let the flavors mingle while it chills.
Ingredients
For the Salad
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1 (16 oz) box bowtie pasta, cooked
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1 ½ cups chopped romaine
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1 cup frozen peas, thawed
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1 cup frozen Mukimame (soybeans), thawed
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1 ½ cups diced ham
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1 cup artichoke hearts, drained
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¾ cup radishes, sliced
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¾ cup green onions, chopped
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1 shallot, thinly sliced
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¾ cup shaved Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
For the Dressing
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½ cup mayonnaise
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¾ cup sour cream
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1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
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2 teaspoons lemon juice
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1 teaspoon sugar
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Mix until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
2. Layer the Salad
Select a clear glass trifle bowl or a deep glass serving dish to showcase the layers. Carefully layer the ingredients in the following order:
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Start with the chopped romaine lettuce.
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Add the cooked bowtie pasta.
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Follow with the thawed peas.
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Add the thawed Mukimame (soybeans).
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Spoon in the diced ham.
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Add the drained artichoke hearts.
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Next, layer the sliced radishes.
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Sprinkle in the chopped green onions.
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Top with the thinly sliced shallot.
Reserve the shaved Parmesan for garnish after the dressing is added.
3. Add the Dressing and Garnish
Gently spoon the prepared dressing across the top of the salad, using the back of a spoon or spatula to spread it to the edges. Once evenly covered, sprinkle the shaved Parmesan cheese over the top.
4. Chill and Serve
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld while keeping the layers distinct. Toss gently just before serving to coat everything in the dressing while preserving the presentation.
Tips for Success
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Make Ahead: This salad is perfect for prepping in advance. Just toss right before serving to keep it fresh.
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Customize It: Swap the ham for turkey, shredded chicken, or leave it out for a vegetarian version.
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Use What’s Fresh: Try asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or cucumber slices for more spring flair.
Final Thoughts
Layered Spring Pasta Salad is a crowd-pleaser that looks as good as it tastes. It’s the perfect way to welcome warmer days with bright, crisp veggies and creamy herb dressing. Whether you’re hosting brunch, heading to a BBQ, or looking for a meal-prep salad that holds up, this dish delivers freshness, texture, and flavor in every bite.