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Layered Pasta Salad

Delicious Layered Pasta Salad Your New Summer Favorite

This Layered Pasta Salad is a refreshing, vibrant dish perfect for summer gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Course Appetizers
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • large mixing bowl
  • small mixing bowl
  • Spatula

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta

  • 3 cups cooked pasta make sure to cook it al dente for the perfect bite!

For the Vegetables

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved they add a burst of color and sweetness.
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced keeps the salad refreshing and crunchy.
  • ½ cup red onion, finely chopped brings a subtle zing to the mix.
  • ½ cup green bell pepper, diced adds a crunchy texture and pop of color.
  • ½ cup black olives, sliced provides a briny flavor that complements the dish.
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped gives a fresh finish and loads of flavor.

For the Creamy Dressing

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese melts beautifully and makes it creamy.
  • ½ cup Italian dressing adds tang and zest, enhancing the flavor.
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise lends creaminess to the overall texture.
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar balances the richness of mayonnaise with a zing.
  • 1 teaspoon sugar helps to round out the flavors.
  • ½ teaspoon salt enhances the overall taste of the salad.
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper adds a hint of spice to the creation.

Instructions
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Layered Pasta Salad

  • Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking 3 cups of pasta according to package instructions for about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down.
  • Prepare the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of diced cucumber, ½ cup of finely chopped red onion, and ½ cup of diced green bell pepper. Toss gently.
  • Add Olives and Cheese: Incorporate ½ cup of sliced black olives, ¼ cup of chopped fresh parsley, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese into the vegetable mixture. Stir carefully.
  • Whisk the Dressing: In a smaller bowl, blend together ½ cup of Italian dressing, ¼ cup of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, 1 teaspoon of sugar, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper until smooth.
  • Combine Dressing and Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to coat all ingredients with the dressing.
  • Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour.
  • Final Toss and Serve: Remove the salad from the refrigerator, give it a final gentle toss, and serve.

Notes

This dish can easily feed a crowd, making it ideal for gatherings.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg
Keyword healthy salad, Layered Pasta Salad, make ahead salad, pasta salad, picnic dish, summer salad
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