This Layered Pasta Salad is an easy make-ahead dish that looks beautiful on the table without requiring much effort. Tender chilled pasta is layered with juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, red onion, shredded cheddar, and chicken, then finished with a creamy homemade dressing. It’s perfect for potlucks, weekend gatherings, picnics, or a quick chilled meal.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 3 cups cooked and chilled pasta, such as rotini or bowtie
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup chopped cucumber
- ½ cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked chicken or ham, optional
For the Creamy Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise or creamy dressing, such as ranch
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon vinegar or fresh lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook and Cool the Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to the package directions. Drain well and allow it to cool completely.
- Prepare the Ingredients: Halve the cherry tomatoes, chop the cucumber and red onion, shred the cheese, and prepare the cooked chicken or ham if using.
- Layer the Salad: Use a large clear serving bowl for the best presentation. Add the chilled pasta as the first layer. Follow with the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, chicken or ham, and shredded cheddar.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt or sour cream, vinegar or lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired.
- Add the Dressing: Spoon or spread the creamy dressing evenly over the top of the layered salad.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This gives the flavors time to blend and allows the pasta to absorb some of the creamy dressing.
- Serve: Give the salad a gentle toss before serving, or serve it layered so everyone can see the colorful ingredients. Enjoy chilled.
This colorful pasta salad is easy to prepare ahead of time, stays crisp and refreshing, and uses simple ingredients you can easily customize with whatever vegetables or cooked protein you have available.
