Layered Pasta Salad

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Chill Time: 1–2 hours (or overnight for best results)

• Total Time: ~30 minutes active, 1–2 hours total

• Servings: 8–10

• Difficulty: Easy

• Perfect for: BBQs, potlucks, family dinners, meal prep

• Dish Type: Cold Salad / Side Dish

 Ingredients

Pasta:

• 3 cups uncooked rotini or bow tie pasta (yields about 6 cups cooked)

• Salted water, for boiling

Layers:

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cup cucumber, diced

• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed

• 1 cup shredded carrots

• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced

• 1 cup chopped bell pepper (any color)

• 1 cup cubed ham, cooked chicken, or chickpeas (optional protein layer)

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, chopped

Creamy Dressing:

• 3/4 cup mayonnaise

• 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

• 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Optional: 1 teaspoon sugar (balances acidit

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool the pasta completely.

Pro Tip: Toss the pasta in a teaspoon of olive oil to prevent sticking while you prep the other ingredients

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool the pasta completely.

Pro Tip: Toss the pasta in a teaspoon of olive oil to prevent sticking while you prep the other ingredients.

2. Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream or yogurt, vinegar or lemon juice, mustard, salt, pepper, and sugar if using. Taste and adjust seasoning. Set aside.

3. Layer the Salad

In a large glass bowl, trifle dish, or deep serving dish, layer the ingredients in the following order (or any order you like!):

1. Pasta (½ of the total cooked pasta)

2. Cucumbers

3. Red onion

4. Shredded carrots

5. Protein layer (ham, chicken, or chickpeas)

6. Peas

7. Bell peppers

8. Remaining pasta

9. Cherry tomatoes

10. Cheese

Spread each layer evenly and try to keep it visible from the sides of the bowl for that stunning look.

4. Top with Dressing

Spoon the dressing evenly over the top layer and use the back of a spoon or offset spatula to spread it edge to edge like frosting. This seals in the freshness.

Sprinkle with fresh herbs and extra cheese if desired.

5. Chill and Server

Cover the salad tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight. This helps the flavors meld and the layers stay firm.

To serve, dig deep with a long-handled spoon to get a bit of each layer in every scoop!

 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigerator: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days

• Make-Ahead: Assemble the night before, but leave off tomatoes and dressing until the day of for best texture

• Meal Prep: Divide into mason jars or containers for grab-and-go lunches

 Serving Suggestions

• Pair with grilled meats, burgers, or sandwiches

• Serve as a main dish with added protein

• Add croutons or crispy bacon just before serving for crunch

• Make it Mediterranean-style with feta, olives, and chickpeas

 Nutrition (Approx. per serving, based on 10 servings)

Varies with dressing and protein choice.