Layered Pasta Salad Recipe

Layered pasta salad is a visually appealing and delicious dish perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a side for any meal. The layers of pasta, vegetables, and dressing create a beautiful presentation and a blend of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 12 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1 cup bell peppers, diced (use a mix of colors)
• 1 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup black olives, sliced
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 hard-boiled eggs, sliced (optional)
• 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)

For the Dressing:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:

a. Boil the Pasta:

• Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.

2. Prepare the Dressing:

a. Mix Ingredients:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.

3. Assemble the Salad:

a. Layer the Ingredients:

• In a large, clear glass bowl or trifle dish, layer the ingredients in the following order:
  1. Pasta: Add the cooled pasta as the base layer.
  2. Vegetables: Layer the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, black olives, shredded carrots, peas, and corn on top of the pasta.
  3. Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the vegetables.
  4. Eggs and Bacon (Optional): Add a layer of sliced hard-boiled eggs and crumbled bacon if using.

b. Add the Dressing:

• Pour the prepared dressing evenly over the top of the salad, spreading it gently to cover all the layers.

c. Garnish:

• Garnish with additional shredded cheese, chopped herbs, or a sprinkle of paprika for color (optional).

4. Chill the Salad:

a. Refrigerate:

• Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together.

5. Serve:

a. Serve:

• Before serving, gently toss the salad to distribute the dressing throughout the layers. Alternatively, you can serve it as is and let guests scoop through the layers.

Tips for Perfect Layered Pasta Salad

1. Pasta: Choose a pasta shape that holds dressing well, like rotini or fusilli. Ensure it’s cooked al dente to prevent mushiness.
2. Vegetables: Use a variety of colorful vegetables for visual appeal and a mix of textures.
3. Dressing: Adjust the seasoning of the dressing to taste. If you prefer a lighter dressing, you can use Greek yogurt in place of some or all of the mayonnaise.
4. Chilling: Allowing the salad to chill for a few hours helps the flavors blend and makes it easier to serve.
5. Customization: Feel free to customize the layers with your favorite ingredients, such as different cheeses, meats, or additional veggies.
6. Presentation: Use a clear glass bowl or trifle dish to showcase the beautiful layers. It makes for an impressive presentation at gatherings.

Enjoy your vibrant and delicious layered pasta salad, perfect for any occasion!