Layered Pasta Salad

Introduction

This Layered Pasta Salad is a colorful and flavorful dish that’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a make-ahead meal. With layers of fresh vegetables, pasta, and a creamy tangy dressing, it’s both visually stunning and delicious. My family always made this for barbecues, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that pairs well with just about any main course.

Ingredients

For the Dressing:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¾ cup sour cream
• 2 teaspoons white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

For the Salad:

• 3 cups cooked pasta (rotini, bowtie, or elbow pasta works best)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dressing:

1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, white vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Set aside.

2. Layer the Salad:

1. In a large glass bowl or trifle dish, layer the ingredients in the following order for a stunning presentation:
   • Cooked pasta (cooled)
   • Cherry tomatoes
   • Cucumber
   • Peas
   • Shredded carrots
   • Red onion
   • Cheddar cheese
   • Crumbled bacon (if using)
2. Pour the prepared dressing evenly over the top layer of the salad. Use the back of a spoon to spread it evenly, ensuring the top is fully covered.

3. Garnish and Chill:

1. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dressing for a pop of color.
2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.

4. Serve:

• Serve the salad chilled as a side dish or light main course. Toss the layers together just before serving for the best flavor distribution.

Tips for Success

• Customize the Layers: Add other veggies like bell peppers, sweet corn, or avocado for added flavor and texture.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh dill or chives can replace parsley for a different flavor profile.
• Make It Lighter: Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream or low-fat mayonnaise for a lighter dressing.

Why You’ll Love It

This Layered Pasta Salad is as versatile as it is delicious. It’s easy to make, can be prepared in advance, and feeds a crowd effortlessly. Whether for a casual picnic or a festive gathering, this salad is guaranteed to impress both in looks and taste.