Refreshing Layered Pasta Salad: A Perfect Summer Delight

INSTRUCTIONS:

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside.

Mix the Dressing: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, Italian dressing, lemon juice, and garlic powder. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Layer the Ingredients:
- In a large, clear glass bowl (to show off the beautiful layers), start by spreading an even layer of pasta at the bottom.
- Next, add a layer of cherry tomatoes, followed by cucumbers, bell peppers, red onions, corn, black olives, shredded carrots, and mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used up, finishing with a layer of cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for garnish.
Add the Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing evenly over the top of the layered salad. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread the dressing, ensuring it covers all layers.

Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill.
Serve: Just before serving, you can toss the salad gently if you prefer a mixed presentation. Otherwise, serve it as a beautiful layered dish, letting everyone scoop down through the layers.

Freshness: Use the freshest vegetables you can find for the best flavor and crunch.
Customization: Feel free to add or substitute ingredients based on your preferences. For example, you can add boiled eggs, bacon bits, or swap the mozzarella for feta cheese.
Make Ahead: This salad can be made a day ahead. In fact, it often tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop.
Dressing Variations: You can experiment with different dressings, such as ranch, Caesar, or a vinaigrette, to change up the flavor profile.

ENOY IT 💜