Discover Delight in Every Layer with Weight Watchers Best Layered Pasta Salad

Elevate your salad game with our tantalizing Weight Watchers Best Layered Pasta Salad recipe. Bursting with vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients, this salad is a delightful addition to any mealtime spread. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a nutritious dish, this recipe is sure to impress. Read on for detailed instructions, nutritional information, and Smart WW points to make this salad a staple in your healthy eating journey.

Ingredients:

For the Dressing:

  • 1/2 cup light mayonnaise
  • 3/4 cup fat-free sour cream
  • 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar substitute (such as Stevia)
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Salad:

  • 3 cups cooked and drained macaroni pasta (whole wheat or low-carb for healthier options)
  • 3 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
  • 1/2 cup thawed frozen green peas
  • 1/3 cup chopped celery
  • 1 1/2 cups diced lean ham
  • 1/3 cup sliced black olives
  • 1/2 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Dressing:
    • In a small bowl, whisk together the light mayonnaise, fat-free sour cream, white wine vinegar, sugar substitute, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Set aside.
  2. Assemble the Salad:
    • In a large glass serving bowl or trifle dish, layer the cooked macaroni pasta on the bottom.
    • Top the pasta with a layer of chopped romaine lettuce, followed by diced red bell pepper, finely diced red onion, thawed green peas, chopped celery, diced lean ham, sliced black olives, and reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese.
  3. Pour on the Dressing:
    • Evenly pour the prepared dressing over the layered salad, ensuring that it covers all the ingredients.
  4. Chill and Serve:
    • Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
    • Serve chilled and enjoy the layers of flavor in every bite!

Nutritional Information:

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 170
  • Total Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 12g

Smart WW Points:

  • Each serving is calculated to be 5 SmartPoints, making it a satisfying and nutritious option for your WW plan.

Useful Information:

  • Feel free to customize this salad with your favorite vegetables or protein sources, such as grilled chicken or turkey bacon.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving.
  • For a vegetarian option, omit the ham or replace it with diced tofu or hard-boiled eggs.
  • This salad is perfect for meal prep! Divide it into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week.