Layered Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that brings together a delightful combination of flavors and textures. With layers of fresh, crisp vegetables, tender pasta, and a creamy dressing, this salad is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
It’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or any gathering where you want to impress with a dish that’s both beautiful and delicious. The best part? You can customize it with your favorite veggies or even add a protein to make it a more substantial meal. If you’re looking for a colorful and satisfying dish that’s light yet fulfilling, you’ve come to the right place. This salad is a true celebration of freshness, and with its vibrant layers, it’s sure to be a hit at your next event.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large serving bowl (preferably clear for visual appeal)
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large spoon for mixing
Ingredients
- 1 pound rotini pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.
- Layer the Salad:
- In a large, clear serving bowl, layer the ingredients in the following order:
- Cooled pasta
- Shredded carrots
- Diced cucumber
- Halved cherry tomatoes
- Diced red bell pepper
- Thawed peas
- Finely chopped red onion
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- In a large, clear serving bowl, layer the ingredients in the following order:
- Add the Dressing:
- Pour the prepared dressing evenly over the top layer of cheese. Use a spoon to gently spread it out, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
- Chill the Salad:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve:
- Before serving, sprinkle the salad with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy as a side dish or a light main course.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
10 minutes (plus chilling time)
Total Time:
30 minutes (plus chilling time)
Nutrition (per serving, based on 8 servings):
- Calories: 310
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 360mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 30g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 8g
This Layered Pasta Salad is not just a feast for the taste buds but also a visual treat. Each bite offers a burst of freshness and flavor, making it a delightful addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving it as a side or enjoying it as a light lunch, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or even add some grilled chicken or tofu for a heartier option. Enjoy the vibrant colors and delicious layers in every forkful!
Layered Pasta Salad
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large serving bowl (preferably clear for visual appeal)
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large spoon for mixing
Ingredients
- 1 pound rotini pasta or your favorite pasta shape
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup cucumber diced
- 1 cup red bell pepper diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup frozen peas thawed
- 1/2 cup red onion finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.
- Layer the Salad:
- In a large, clear serving bowl, layer the ingredients in the following order:
- Cooled pasta
- Shredded carrots
- Diced cucumber
- Halved cherry tomatoes
- Diced red bell pepper
- Thawed peas
- Finely chopped red onion
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Add the Dressing:
- Pour the prepared dressing evenly over the top layer of cheese. Use a spoon to gently spread it out, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
- Chill the Salad:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve:
- Before serving, sprinkle the salad with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy as a side dish or a light main course.
- Prep Time:
- 20 minutes
- Cook Time:
- 10 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Total Time:
- 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Nutrition (per serving, based on 8 servings):
- Calories: 310
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 360mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 30g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- This Layered Pasta Salad is not just a feast for the taste buds but also a visual treat. Each bite offers a burst of freshness and flavor, making it a delightful addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving it as a side or enjoying it as a light lunch, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or even add some grilled chicken or tofu for a heartier option. Enjoy the vibrant colors and delicious layers in every forkful!
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