Best layered spring pasta salad

 Step 1 – Make the dressing

1️⃣ In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning.

2️⃣ Mix with a whisk or fork until you have a smooth, creamy sauce.

3️⃣ Cover and let it rest in the fridge while you prepare the other ingredients: this will allow the flavours to blend together at their best.

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✨ Step 2 – Cook and cool the pasta

1️⃣ Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2️⃣ Cook the butterfly pasta al dente according to the times indicated on the package.

3️⃣ Drain it and cool it immediately under cold running water to stop the cooking and maintain the consistency.

4️⃣ Drain it well and transfer it to a large bowl, stirring with a drizzle of oil to prevent sticking.

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✨ Step 3 – Prepare the vegetables and other ingredients

1️⃣ If you’re using frozen peas and mukimame, be sure to thaw them completely and drain them of excess water.

2️⃣ Wash and finely chop the romaine lettuce, making sure it is dry to avoid getting the salad too wet.

3️⃣ Finely chop the radishes, spring onions and shallots.

4️⃣ Drain the artichoke hearts well and cut them into pieces if necessary.

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✨ Step 4 – Assemble the salad in layers

1️⃣ In a large, clear bowl or glass container (such as a soup bowl or baking dish), start arranging the ingredients in well-defined layers for a beautiful visual effect:

First layer: chopped romaine lettuce

Second layer: butterfly dough

Third layer: peas

Fourth layer: mukimame (or edible peas)

Fifth layer: Diced cooked ham

Sixth layer: artichoke hearts

Seventh layer: sliced radishes

Eighth layer: chopped spring onions

Don’t forget to add shallots between layers as well for an extra kick of flavor

2️⃣ Reserve the grated Parmesan cheese for the top.

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✨ Step 5 – Season and serve

1️⃣ Drizzle the creamy dressing you made over the layered salad, trying to distribute it evenly around the edges.

2️⃣ Sprinkle the surface with grated Parmesan cheese, creating an inviting layer.

3️⃣ Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving: this way, the flavours blend together and the salad will be fresh and tasty.

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✨ Step 6 – When Serving

1️⃣ Remove from the fridge and give the pasta salad a good stir, so that the dressing evenly wraps around each ingredient.

2️⃣ Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve chilled.