Best 5 Layered Summer Pasta Salad Recipes

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Dive into a symphony of flavors with our Layered Summer Pasta Salad, a refreshing ensemble of colorful ingredients that celebrates the bountiful harvest of the season. This vibrant pasta salad boasts an enticing interplay of textures and tastes, showcasing tender pasta, crisp vegetables, juicy fruits, and a tangy dressing that awakens your palate.

Indulge in a delightful medley of textures, from the al dente pasta to the crunchy snap of bell peppers and cucumbers, the velvety softness of ripe tomatoes, and the delicate chew of mozzarella cheese. Every bite offers a burst of freshness, with sweet pops of juicy watermelon and grapes mingling harmoniously with the savory notes of tangy feta cheese and crumbled bacon.

This versatile pasta salad is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light and satisfying lunch. Its vibrant colors and enticing aromas make it an irresistible dish that will liven up any gathering. Grab your apron and let's embark on a culinary adventure as we explore the step-by-step instructions and discover the secrets behind this extraordinary layered salad.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

7-LAYER PASTA SALAD



7-Layer Pasta Salad image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 30m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

Kosher salt
8 ounces farfalle (about 2 cups)
2 stalks broccoli, cut into florets
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Juice of 1 lime
Freshly ground black pepper
2 avocados, diced
One 12-ounce piece deli ham, diced (about 2 cups)
8 ounces yellow Cheddar cheese, shredded
1 small head romaine lettuce, sliced
2 tomatoes, diced

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente (about 2 minutes less than the label directs), adding the broccoli during the last 4 minutes of cooking. Drain the pasta and broccoli and rinse under cool water; shake off the excess. Remove the broccoli and pat dry.
  • Whisk the mayonnaise, buttermilk, 1/4 cup chives, the parsley, half of the lime juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste. Toss the pasta and a few tablespoons of the dressing in a medium bowl.
  • Assemble the salad: Toss the avocados with the remaining lime juice in a large glass serving bowl and season with salt; arrange in an even layer. Top with layers of the ham, broccoli, pasta, cheese, lettuce and tomatoes. Drizzle some of the remaining dressing on top and sprinkle with the remaining 1 tablespoon chives, or cover and refrigerate the salad and dressing separately up to 6 hours. (Bring to room temperature before serving.)

LAYERED PASTA SALAD RECIPE



Layered Pasta Salad Recipe image

Love every layer equally with our make-ahead Layered Pasta Salad Recipe. Pile on ham, cheese, tomatoes and onions in this simple Layered Pasta Salad Recipe that's perfect for your next barbecue or picnic!

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories     Side Dish Recipes

Time 3h20m

Yield 12 servings, 1 cup each

Number Of Ingredients 8

3 cups medium pasta shells, cooked, drained
1 large red onion, sliced
1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen peas, thawed, drained
1 pkg. (6 oz.) OSCAR MAYER Smoked Ham, chopped
1/2 cup KRAFT Real Mayo Mayonnaise
1/2 cup KRAFT Classic Ranch Dressing
1 cup KRAFT Natural Three Cheese Crumbles
1 cup halved grape tomatoes

Steps:

  • Layer first 4 ingredients in 3-qt. bowl.
  • Mix mayo and dressing until blended; spread over salad, sealing to edge of bowl. Top with cheese and tomatoes.
  • Refrigerate several hours or until chilled. Toss gently before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 260, Fat 14 g, SaturatedFat 3.5 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 20 mg, Sodium 420 mg, Carbohydrate 0 g, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 0 g, Protein 9 g

LAYERED SUMMER PASTA SALAD



Layered Summer Pasta Salad image

Layer, toss and serve. What could be easier for a 30-minute, simple summer salad!

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Lunch

Time 25m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 box Betty Crocker™ Suddenly Salad® ranch & bacon pasta salad mix
1 1/4 cups ranch dressing
3 cups torn romaine lettuce
2 cups shredded carrots
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
2 plum (Roma) tomatoes, coarsely chopped

Steps:

  • Empty Pasta mix into 3-quart saucepan 2/3 full of boiling water. Gently boil uncovered 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Drain pasta; rinse with cold water. Shake to drain well. In medium bowl, stir together seasoning mix and dressing. Add pasta; toss to combine.
  • In 3- or 4-quart glass salad bowl or 13x9-inch glass baking dish, layer lettuce, carrots, broccoli and pasta mixture. Top with tomatoes. Serve immediately, or refrigerate.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 230, Carbohydrate 20 g, Cholesterol 10 mg, Fat 3, Fiber 2 g, Protein 4 g, SaturatedFat 1 1/2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 490 mg, Sugar 4 g, TransFat 0 g

LAYERED SUMMER SALAD



Layered Summer Salad image

Make this Layered Summer Salad part of this season's menu. This gorgeous Layered Summer Salad includes tomatoes, peas, red onions, mushrooms and more!

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories     Side Dish Recipes

Time 5h30m

Yield 12 servings, 1 cup each

Number Of Ingredients 10

4 cups tightly packed torn romaine lettuce
1-1/2 cups KRAFT Shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese, divided
2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
1 small red onion, sliced, separated into rings
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen peas, thawed
1/2 cup KRAFT Real Mayo Mayonnaise
1/2 cup BREAKSTONE'S or KNUDSEN Sour Cream
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
4 slices cooked OSCAR MAYER Bacon, crumbled

Steps:

  • Place lettuce in 3-qt. bowl. Cover with layers of 1 cup cheese, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes and peas.
  • Mix mayo, sour cream and basil until blended; spread over salad, completely covering top of salad. Refrigerate 5 hours.
  • Top with remaining cheese and bacon just before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 190, Fat 15 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 25 mg, Sodium 210 mg, Carbohydrate 7 g, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 3 g, Protein 6 g

LAYERED SUMMERTIME SALAD



Layered Summertime Salad image

Luscious layers of pasta and veggies make up this super summer salad that can be prepared ahead of time for warm-weather picnics and deck parties. It easily feeds a crowd. -Betty Fulks, Onia, Arkansas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 cups uncooked gemelli or spiral pasta
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 cup sliced green onions
4 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled, divided
4 cups torn romaine
1 cup fresh snow peas, trimmed and halved
1 cup fresh cauliflowerets
1 cup fresh broccoli florets
1 large sweet red pepper, chopped
1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, sugar and garlic powder; set aside. Drain pasta and rinse in cold water; toss with onions and half of the bacon., In a large salad bowl, layer half the romaine, pasta mixture, peas, cauliflower, broccoli, red pepper, mayonnaise mixture and cheese. Repeat layers. Sprinkle with remaining bacon. Cover and refrigerate until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 186 calories, Fat 13g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 9mg cholesterol, Sodium 115mg sodium, Carbohydrate 13g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 4g protein.

Tips:

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh vegetables and herbs whenever possible. This will make your pasta salad taste more vibrant and refreshing.
  • Cook the Pasta Al Dente: Cook the pasta according to the package directions, but err on the side of cooking it a little less than recommended. This will help the pasta hold its shape and prevent it from becoming mushy in the salad.
  • Let the Pasta Salad Cool Completely: Before assembling the pasta salad, let the pasta cool completely. This will help prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
  • Use a Variety of Vegetables: The more vegetables you use, the more colorful and flavorful your pasta salad will be. Some good options include tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, corn, and zucchini.
  • Add Some Protein: If you want to make your pasta salad more filling, add some protein. Some good options include grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
  • Use a Light Dressing: A light dressing will help keep the pasta salad from becoming too heavy. A simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, vinegar, and herbs is a good option.
  • Serve the Pasta Salad Chilled: Pasta salad is best served chilled. This will help keep the flavors bright and refreshing.

Conclusion:

Layered summer pasta salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for summer gatherings. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With its vibrant colors and flavorful ingredients, this pasta salad is sure to be a hit at your next party or potluck.

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