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Layered Pasta Salad: A Colorful, Flavor-Packed Delight

Layered pasta salad is more than just a side dish—it’s a visual treat and a burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight meal, this salad combines layers of pasta, fresh vegetables, creamy dressing, and optional proteins to create a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. The best part? You can customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here’s a complete guide on how to make this layered masterpiece.

Ingredients

For a salad serving 6–8 people, gather the following ingredients:

For the pasta:

• 3 cups tri-color rotini (or any short pasta)
• 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, to prevent sticking)

Vegetable layers:

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium cucumber, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup sweet corn (optional)

Protein (optional):

• 1 cup cooked chicken, cubed
• 1 cup cubed cheddar cheese or feta

Dressing:

• 1 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon sugar or honey
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
• Paprika or chili flakes for color

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of salt.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Wash all fresh vegetables thoroughly.
2. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice cucumbers and bell peppers, finely chop red onion, and shred the carrots.
3. If using olives and corn, slice and drain them respectively. Set all vegetables aside in separate bowls for easy layering.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

1. In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, garlic powder, and dried herbs.
2. Whisk thoroughly until smooth.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust sweetness or acidity according to your preference.

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