Layered Pasta Salad is a visually stunning and delicious dish that’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or any gathering. This salad combines layers of fresh vegetables, pasta, cheese, and a creamy dressing for a colorful and flavorful side dish.
📋 Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 🍝 3 cups cooked pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie work well)
- 🍅 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 🥒 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 🥕 1 cup shredded carrots
- 🌽 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 🥦 1 cup broccoli florets, blanched
- 🧀 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 🥚 4 hard-boiled eggs, sliced (optional)
- 🥓 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
- 🌿 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 🥬 2 cups mixed greens or spinach leaves
For the Dressing:
- 🥛 1 cup mayonnaise
- 🍦 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 🍋 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 🌿 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 🧂 1 tbsp honey or sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- 🧂 Salt and pepper, to taste
- 🌿 1 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped (optional)
📝 Directions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
- 🍝 Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Dressing:
- 🥛 Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
3. Layer the Salad:
- 🥬 Start with Greens: In a large, clear trifle bowl or a glass bowl, start by adding a layer of mixed greens or spinach leaves at the bottom.
- 🍝 Add the Pasta: Next, add the cooled pasta in an even layer over the greens.
- 🍅 Layer the Vegetables: Add layers of cherry tomatoes, cucumber, shredded carrots, corn, and blanched broccoli florets. You can also add the sliced hard-boiled eggs and crumbled bacon if using.
- 🧀 Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the vegetable layers.
- 🥚 Top with Dressing: Spread the dressing evenly over the top of the salad, making sure it covers the entire surface.
4. Chill the Salad:
- ❄️ 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:
- 🍽️ Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, garnish the salad with chopped green onions and any extra herbs if desired. Serve by scooping through all the layers to get a bit of everything in each serving.
🍽 Serve:
Enjoy your vibrant and flavorful Layered Pasta Salad, a perfect dish for any occasion!
⏱ Preparation Time: 20 minutes
⏱ Chilling Time: 2 hours (or overnight)
⏱ Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
🍽 Servings: 8-10 servings
🔥 Calories: 250 kcal per serving
💡 Notes:
- You can customize this salad with your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, peas, or red onions.
- The salad can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Enjoy your delicious and colorful Layered Pasta Salad! 🥗✨