Elevate Your Salad Game with Layered Pasta Salad

Absolutely! Here’s a fresh, inviting article for your **Layered Pasta Salad** recipe:

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### Elevate Your Salad Game with Layered Pasta Salad: A Show-Stopping Side That Steals the Spotlight

Let’s be honest — salads can sometimes feel like an afterthought. But not this one. The **Layered Pasta Salad** is here to change everything you thought you knew about side dishes. It’s vibrant, filling, and bursting with flavor in every forkful. Whether you’re prepping for a picnic, potluck, or weekday lunch, this salad doesn’t just show up — it *shows off*.

With layers of tender pasta, crisp vegetables, savory proteins, and a creamy dressing, this isn’t just a salad… it’s a main event.

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#### Why You’ll Love a Layered Pasta Salad

* **Visually stunning:** Layering each ingredient not only makes it pretty — it also keeps textures fresh until you’re ready to toss and serve.
* **Make-ahead magic:** Perfect for meal prep or prepping in advance for gatherings.
* **Customizable:** Swap in your favorite veggies, proteins, and dressings to make it your own.
* **Crowd-pleasing:** From picky eaters to salad skeptics, everyone finds something to love.

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#### What You’ll Need (Base Recipe)

While the beauty of this salad is in how easily you can customize it, here’s a delicious foundation to get you started:

* Cooked pasta (rotini, penne, or shells work well)
* Cherry tomatoes, halved
* Cucumbers, thinly sliced
* Red onion or green onions, finely chopped
* Shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella pearls
* Diced ham, bacon, or grilled chicken
* Green peas or corn (frozen and thawed)
* Hard-boiled eggs, sliced or chopped
* Creamy dressing (like ranch, Italian, or a mayo-sour cream blend)
* Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)

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