Name: Layered Pasta Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked pasta (rotini, bowtie, or penne); 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup cucumber, diced; ½ cup red bell pepper, diced; ½ cup shredded carrots; ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella); ½ cup black olives, sliced; ½ cup green onions, chopped; 1 cup ranch or creamy Italian dressing; 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)

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This layered pasta salad is a colorful and delicious dish that's perfect for any occasion. With vibrant veggies, crunchy pasta, and a creamy dressing, it's a salad that will definitely be the star of your next gathering. Whether you're making it for a picnic, BBQ, or just a quick lunch, this pasta salad has something for everyone.

Layered Pasta Salad

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

3 cups cooked pasta (rotini, bowtie, or penne)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

½ cup red bell pepper, diced

½ cup shredded carrots

½ cup red onion, thinly sliced

1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)

½ cup black olives, sliced

½ cup green onions, chopped

1 cup ranch or creamy Italian dressing

1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)

Directions

Layer the Salad:
In a large glass bowl, I layer the ingredients in the following order: pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, carrots, red onion, cheese, black olives, green onions, and bacon (if using).

Add Dressing:
I pour the ranch or creamy Italian dressing evenly over the top of the layered ingredients.

Chill & Serve:
After covering the salad, I refrigerate it for at least 1 hour before serving. This helps all the flavors meld together. Once chilled, I toss the salad gently to mix everything before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields about 6 servings and takes approximately 20 minutes of prep time. The chilling time is about 1 hour, which allows the flavors to combine perfectly.

Variations

I enjoy experimenting with this salad and switching up ingredients. Here are a few variations you might like:

Grilled Chicken or Chickpeas: For added protein, I sometimes add grilled chicken or chickpeas.

Different Dressings: I’ve tried using Caesar or balsamic vinaigrette dressings, which add a unique twist.

Other Vegetables: Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as bell peppers, olives, or even spinach for more greens.

Cheese Options: I love using cheddar or mozzarella, but other cheese options like feta or Parmesan also work great.

Storage/Reheating

This pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I wouldn’t recommend reheating this salad, as it’s best enjoyed cold. If you want to prepare it ahead of time, simply assemble the layers, cover it, and store it in the fridge until ready to serve.

FAQs

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, I often make this pasta salad the night before. It actually tastes even better the next day once all the flavors have had time to blend.

Can I substitute the bacon with something else?

If I’m looking for a vegetarian option, I sometimes substitute the bacon with extra vegetables like roasted chickpeas or a handful of sunflower seeds for some crunch.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! I like using rotini, bowtie, or penne, but you can swap it for any pasta shape you prefer. Farfalle, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni would work just as well.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make this pasta salad gluten-free, I simply swap the regular pasta with gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I freeze this pasta salad?

I wouldn’t recommend freezing this salad, as the veggies and pasta may lose their texture once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or after being chilled in the fridge for a few days.

Conclusion

This layered pasta salad is a fantastic and flexible recipe that’s sure to please a crowd. With a colorful mix of vegetables, cheese, and optional bacon, it's a dish that's full of flavor and easy to make. Perfect for any occasion, I love how quickly I can prepare it and how it holds up in the fridge, making it an ideal choice for meal prep or bringing to a party.

Recipe:

Layered Pasta Salad

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A colorful and delicious layered pasta salad with vibrant veggies, crunchy pasta, and creamy dressing, perfect for any occasion.

Instructions

In a large glass bowl, layer the ingredients in the following order: pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, carrots, red onion, cheese, black olives, green onions, and bacon (if using).
Pour the ranch or creamy Italian dressing evenly over the top of the layered ingredients.
Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Once chilled, gently toss the salad to mix everything before serving.