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Layered Pasta Salad

Layered Pasta Salad: A Vibrant Delight for Your Table

This Layered Pasta Salad combines colorful vegetables with creamy mozzarella, making it a perfect crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 3 cups cooked pasta this forms the hearty base of your Layered Pasta Salad
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved; they add a burst of sweetness and color
  • 1 cup cucumber diced; provides a refreshing crunch
  • ½ cup red onion finely chopped; gives a nice bite and color contrast
  • ½ cup green bell pepper diced; adds a juicy, crisp element
  • ½ cup black olives sliced; brings a salty depth
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped; for freshness and color
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for creaminess
For the Dressing
  • ½ cup Italian dressing adds a zesty flavor
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise for creaminess
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar enhances flavors with acidity
  • 1 teaspoon sugar balances tanginess
  • ½ teaspoon salt enhances flavors
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper adds a dash of spice

Equipment

  • large mixing bowl
  • colander
  • Spatula
  • Measuring Cups
  • Smaller mixing bowl

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Cook 3 cups of pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and green bell pepper. Toss gently.
  3. Add black olives, parsley, and mozzarella cheese to the mixture. Fold gently to combine.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together Italian dressing, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  5. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Gently toss to coat evenly.
  6. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
  7. Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 10gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For best results, chill before serving and use fresh vegetables for optimal flavor and texture.

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