The pasta salad with layers is a fun variation of the usual pasta salad because it has many different textures and tastes combined together to make one beautiful dish. This dish is not only tasty but also very appealing visually so it can be served at any gathering or meal. From colorful vegetables, tender pasta, savory meats, and creamy dressings each bite will burst in your mouth.

On the first look this salad seems like a masterpiece of art with its bright layered colors that attract your eyes making you want to eat everything right away. These components are placed carefully so they create an attractive display where various forms and shades can be seen next to each other. Fresh lettuce’s deep greens on top may be followed by ripe tomatoes’ vibrant reds and then finished off with some white cheese which all contribute towards enhancing this feature.

However, underneath its beauty lies a mingling of flavors that go well together. Pasta provides chewy texture while lettuce gives crunchiness; vinaigrette adds tang against cheesiness provided by meats such as ham or bacon strips rolled up in cream cheese before being sliced into pinwheels for decoration purposes only. In fact every layer adds something different taste wise thus giving rise to an array of flavours which dance across your tongue whenever you take a bite out of it using a fork.

Apart from being visually pleasing and delicious, layered pasta salad is also versatile and convenient. It can be tailored to individual tastes, with infinite possibilities for any event or dietary need. Whether served as a cooling accompaniment at a summer barbecue or a light lunch’s hearty centerpiece, this dish never disappoints thanks to its multi-faceted deliciousness.

Ingredients:

   8 ounces (about 225g) of your favourite pasta (we like fusilli, penne, or farfalle)

   2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

   1 large cucumber, diced

1 bell pepper (red, yellow or orange), cut into small pieces

   1 cup shredded carrots

   1/2 cup sliced black olives

   1/2 cup diced red onion

   1 cup cubed mozzarella cheese

   1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves

   1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves

For the dressing:

   1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

   2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

   1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

   Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Cook pasta as directed until al dente; drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.

Whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.

In large serving bowl or trifle dish, layer ingredients starting with cooked and cooled pasta on the bottom of the bowl.

Add halved cherry tomatoes; diced cucumber; bell pepper; shredded carrots; black olives; diced red onion; cubed mozzarella cheese; chopped basil and parsley.

Drizzle salad ingredients with some of the dressing.

Repeat layering process with remaining ingredients until all used, ending with final drizzle of dressing and sprinkle of fresh herbs for garnish on top.

Cover salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour so flavors can blend together.

Before serving, gently toss salad to ensure dressing is evenly distributed. Season with salt and pepper if needed.

Serve chilled – enjoy your tasty layered pasta salad!

Feel free to make changes in this recipe in terms of your favorite vegetables, cheeses or proteins or whatever you like. Have fun!