Layered pasta salad is a delightful and visually appealing dish perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a colorful addition to any meal. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
Ingredients
Pasta Layer
- 8 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or your choice)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt for boiling water
Vegetable Layers
- 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 shredded carrots
- 1 cup sweet corn (canned or fresh)
Protein Layer
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced (optional)
- 1 cup chickpeas, rinsed and drained (or any beans you prefer)
Cheese Layer
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or chives), finely chopped (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh herbs for garnish
- Crumbled bacon (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Add fresh herbs if using.
- Layer the Salad:
- In a large glass bowl or trifle dish, start with a layer of pasta.
- Add a layer of cherry tomatoes, followed by cucumbers, bell peppers, red onions, shredded carrots, and sweet corn.
- Add the protein layer with diced chicken and chickpeas.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese and crumbled feta over the top.
- Add the Dressing: Spread the dressing evenly over the top layer of the salad. Use a spatula to smooth it out.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh herbs and crumbled bacon if desired.
- Chill: Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: When ready to serve, use a large spoon to scoop down through the layers, ensuring each serving includes a bit of everything.
Enjoy your colorful and delicious layered pasta salad!
