Layered Pasta Salad is a vibrant and versatile dish that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, and any festive gathering. This salad layers delicious ingredients and textures, creating a visually appealing and flavorful experience in every bite.
Not only is it easy to make, but it also allows for plenty of customization to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here’s how to put together a Layered Pasta Salad that’s sure to impress!
Layered Pasta Salad not only tastes great but also makes a stunning centerpiece for your dining table. It’s a feast for the eyes with its bright layers and for the palate with its fresh, crisp ingredients. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins to make it uniquely yours every time!
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces pasta (such as rotini or penne), cooked, rinsed, and cooled
- 1 cup ranch dressing or Italian dressing
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 can (15 ounces) sweet corn, drained
- 1 can (15 ounces) black olives, drained and sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
- 2 cups baby spinach or mixed greens
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Rinse under cold water and set aside to cool. Gather and prepare the rest of your ingredients as listed.
- Layer the Salad: In a large, clear bowl (for visual effect), begin layering your salad. Start with a layer of cooked pasta. Drizzle some of the dressing over the pasta to lightly coat it.
- Add Vegetables and Cheese: Continue layering by adding the peas, then the corn, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion. Sprinkle each layer lightly with salt and pepper.
- Add Olives and Cheese: Next, add a layer of sliced olives followed by a generous sprinkling of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add Greens and Eggs: Top with a layer of baby spinach or mixed greens. Arrange the sliced hard-boiled eggs over the top.
- Final Touches: Drizzle the remaining dressing over the salad. For best flavor, cover and refrigerate the salad for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the salad chilled. Mix slightly before serving to distribute the dressing, or let guests dig in to get a bit of every layer in their servings.