Description
This vibrant Layered Pasta Salad features perfectly cooked pasta shells combined with fresh, colorful vegetables and a creamy homemade dressing. Topped with cheddar, Parmesan, and fresh basil, this salad is a refreshing, crowd-pleasing dish ideal for potlucks, picnics, or light meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz (340g) pasta shells or rotini
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup sweet corn kernels, canned or fresh
- 1 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
Cheese and Herbs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold water to cool and stop the cooking process.
- Layer the Salad Base: In a large glass or clear salad bowl, layer the cooled pasta evenly at the bottom to create the foundation of your salad.
- Add Vegetable Layers: Sequentially add layers of halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, sweet corn kernels, sliced black olives, and finely chopped red onion on top of the pasta, maintaining even distribution for a colorful presentation.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and season with salt and pepper to taste until smooth and creamy.
- Dress the Salad: Evenly pour the prepared dressing over the layered vegetables, ensuring full coverage to enhance flavor integration.
- Add Cheese and Basil Topping: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, and chopped fresh basil leaves evenly over the top of the salad.
- Chill to Meld Flavors: Cover the salad tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow all flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
- Serve: Before serving, gently toss if desired to combine flavors or let guests serve the salad layered for a striking visual impact.
Notes
- Use a clear glass bowl to best showcase the colorful layered effect.
- For best texture, avoid overcooking pasta; rinse immediately to cool.
- Adjust salt and pepper in the dressing according to taste and dietary needs.
- Can be made a day ahead to enhance flavor but add cheese topping just before serving if preferred.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat mayonnaise and sour cream.
- Optional additions include adding a protein like grilled chicken for a complete meal.
