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–+ servings
Layered Pasta Salad

Colorful Layered Pasta Salad You’ll Love for Every Occasion

This Layered Pasta Salad is a vibrant, customizable dish perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Base
  • 8 ounces Cooked Pasta rotini or gluten-free pasta can be used
For the Vegetables
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes can substitute with grape tomatoes
  • 1 medium Cucumber or substitute with bell pepper
  • 1 small Red Onion can use green onions for a milder flavor
  • 1 medium Green Bell Pepper can swap for yellow or red
  • ½ cup Black Olives can use green olives or omit
  • ¼ cup Fresh Parsley fresh basil is a good substitute
For the Creamy Dressing
  • 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese can substitute with cheddar
  • ½ cup Italian Dressing homemade or vinaigrette can be used
  • ½ cup Mayonnaise Greek yogurt can be a lighter alternative
  • 1 tablespoon White Vinegar apple cider vinegar can be used
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar can adjust as per taste
  • 1 teaspoon Salt adjust to preference
  • ½ teaspoon Black Pepper red pepper flakes for more spice

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Plastic wrap

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook pasta until al dente for 8-10 minutes, then drain and rinse with cold water.
  2. Wash and chop cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and green bell pepper into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta with chopped veggies, black olives, parsley, and mozzarella cheese.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together Italian dressing, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  5. Pour dressing over pasta and veggies, and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
  6. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour.
  7. Before serving, toss the salad again to redistribute the dressing and serve chilled.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.5gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Allow the salad to chill for an hour before serving for optimal flavor. Customize with seasonal veggies or your favorite proteins, and store the dressing separately until serving for maximum freshness.

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