If you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant, and utterly delicious dish to brighten up your meal times, the Layered Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, and Mozzarella Recipe is an absolute must-try. This salad bursts with color and flavor, combining tender pasta with crisp vegetables and creamy mozzarella, all brought together by a tangy, slightly sweet dressing. It’s perfect as a light lunch, a side for barbecues, or even as a make-ahead dish for gatherings. Every bite offers that delightful balance of textures and tastes that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this salad are wonderfully simple yet crucial in creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Each component adds its own special touch, from the juicy burst of cherry tomatoes to the silky mozzarella and the tangy dressing that ties it all together.
- 3 cups cooked pasta: The hearty base that holds all the fresh flavors together; use any short pasta you love.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: These provide juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 cup cucumber, diced: Adds a refreshing crunch that balances the salad perfectly.
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped: Offers a mild sharpness that gives a flavorful punch.
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced: Brings a crisp, slightly sweet taste and lovely green hue.
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced: Adds a salty depth that complements the other veggies beautifully.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Delivers a fresh herbal note and bright green flecks.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides creamy richness and mild flavor that melds the salad together.
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing: The zesty base of the dressing that coats everything with flavor.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and helps bind the dressing to the salad.
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar: Lifts the flavors with a subtle tang.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances acidity and enhances the overall taste experience.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Brings all the flavors into sharper focus.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Offers a gentle warmth and depth.
How to Make Layered Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, and Mozzarella Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches a perfect al dente texture. Once done, drain it well and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down. This step is key to ensuring your salad has that ideal bite without being mushy.
Step 2: Combine Fresh Vegetables with Pasta
In a large bowl, add the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes (halved), diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, and diced green bell pepper. These fresh ingredients bring a delightful mix of crispness and juiciness, creating a refreshing contrast to the pasta’s softness.
Step 3: Add Olives, Parsley, and Mozzarella
Next, toss in the sliced black olives, chopped fresh parsley, and shredded mozzarella cheese. The olives contribute a savory saltiness, parsley adds a bright herbal freshness, and mozzarella melts in your mouth with creamy goodness.
Step 4: Prepare the Dressing
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. This dressing perfectly balances tangy, sweet, and creamy notes, serving as the magic binder for the salad.
Step 5: Combine Dressing with Salad
Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Use a spatula or large spoon to gently toss everything together, making sure every bite is evenly coated with that delicious dressing.
Step 6: Chill to Meld Flavors
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour. This resting time allows all the flavors to mingle and deepen, resulting in a tastier, more harmonious salad.
Step 7: Final Toss and Serve
Just before serving, give the salad a gentle toss to re-distribute the dressing and freshen everything up. Now you’re ready to enjoy this colorful and flavorful masterpiece!
How to Serve Layered Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, and Mozzarella Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this salad even further, try garnishing with freshly shredded basil leaves or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. A few extra cherry tomato halves or cucumber slices arranged on top add a pretty finishing touch as well as an extra pop of freshness.
Side Dishes
This Layered Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, and Mozzarella Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a perfect summer meal. It also shines alongside crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad for a balanced spread that everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the salad in a clear trifle bowl or mason jars to show off the vibrant layers. Alternatively, spoon it into individual cups or lettuce cups for an elegant appetizer or picnic-friendly option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover salad to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, but the vegetables may soften slightly over time, so enjoy it sooner rather than later.
Freezing
Because this salad contains fresh vegetables and mayonnaise-based dressing, freezing is not recommended as it can ruin the texture and flavor. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated only.
Reheating
This pasta salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. If your fridge makes it too chilly, just let it sit out for 15-20 minutes before serving to bring out the flavors nicely.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of mozzarella?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute mozzarella with feta for a tangier bite or even cubed cheddar for a sharper flavor. Just keep the quantity the same to maintain the salad’s creamy balance.
Is this salad suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, it’s an excellent option for meal prep. Prepare it a few hours or a day in advance to let the flavors marry, but keep the salad refrigerated and toss just before serving for best texture.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Of course! Simply swap the mozzarella for a plant-based cheese alternative and replace mayonnaise with a vegan version or use extra Italian dressing to keep it creamy and flavorful.
What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or farfalle work beautifully because they hold onto the dressing and mix well with the veggies. However, use your favorite pasta shape – it’s all about what you love!
How can I add protein to this salad?
Add cooked chicken, chickpeas, or even crispy bacon bits to boost the protein content and make the salad more filling while keeping the delicious flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dish that’s as pretty as it is packed with flavor, this Layered Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, and Mozzarella Recipe is a winner every single time. Whether for a busy weeknight or your next dinner party, its vibrant colors and fresh, harmonious flavors are sure to bring smiles all around. So go ahead, give it a try — your taste buds will thank you!
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Layered Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, and Mozzarella Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 10m
- Total Time: 1h 25m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A refreshing and colorful Layered Pasta Salad combining tender cooked pasta with fresh vegetables, black olives, shredded mozzarella, and a zesty Italian dressing blended with mayonnaise. Perfect as a make-ahead dish for picnics, potlucks, or light lunches, this salad is chilled to meld flavors for a vibrant and satisfying taste experience.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Dressing
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down.
- Combine Vegetables and Pasta: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, and diced green bell pepper.
- Add Olives, Parsley, and Cheese: Add the sliced black olives followed by the chopped fresh parsley and shredded mozzarella cheese to the bowl.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and fully combined.
- Mix Dressing with Salad: Pour the dressing mixture over the pasta and vegetable mixture in the large bowl.
- Toss the Salad: Gently toss everything together using a spatula or large spoon, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Once chilled, give the salad a final gentle toss to redistribute the dressing before serving.
Notes
- Use your preferred short pasta like rotini, penne, or farfalle.
- Rinsing pasta after cooking prevents it from sticking and cools it for the salad.
- Chilling the salad helps the flavors meld and improves taste.
- For a tangier dressing, increase the amount of white vinegar slightly.
- Can be customized with additional veggies or protein as desired.
- Best served within 2 days when stored covered in the refrigerator.
