Pasta Salad Cups Recipe

Introduction

This Pasta Salad Cups recipe is a fresh and colorful way to enjoy a classic pasta salad. Perfect for parties or easy lunches, these individual servings are simple to make and packed with vibrant flavors.

Ingredients

• 8 oz rotini pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup diced cucumber
• 1/2 cup black olives
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup Italian dressing
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Boil rotini pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
2. Step 2: Chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, black olives, and fresh parsley.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped vegetables, and parsley.
4. Step 4: Pour the Italian dressing over the mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
5. Step 5: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add more dressing if desired.
6. Step 6: Using a spoon, portion the salad into small clear plastic cups for easy serving.
7. Step 7: Refrigerate the cups until ready to serve. Enjoy the salad chilled.

Tips & Variations

• For extra protein, add cooked chicken or chickpeas to the salad before tossing with dressing.
• Use your favorite Italian dressing or make a homemade vinaigrette for a personalized touch.
• Substitute rotini with other pasta shapes like bowtie or penne for variety.

Storage

Store the pasta salad cups in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap or in airtight containers. They will keep well for up to 3 days. For best texture, avoid adding dressing until just before serving if storing longer. Reheat is not necessary; this salad is best enjoyed cold.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these pasta salad cups ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pasta and chop the vegetables a day in advance. Assemble and dress the salad cups a few hours before serving to keep them fresh.

What can I substitute if I don’t have black olives?

You can use green olives or capers as a substitute to maintain the briny flavor, or omit them entirely if preferred.

Pasta Salad Cups Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 420 reviews

• Author: Harper
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 10 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This refreshing Pasta Salad Cups recipe is a perfect make-ahead appetizer or light meal option. Featuring rotini pasta tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, black olives, fresh parsley, and tossed in zesty Italian dressing, these individual salad cups are easy to serve and enjoy chilled. Ready in just 30 minutes, this colorful and flavorful dish is great for parties, potlucks, or picnics.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 8 oz rotini pasta

Vegetables

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup diced cucumber
• 1/2 cup black olives
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Dressing & Seasoning

• 1/2 cup Italian dressing
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta: Boil rotini pasta in salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool and stop the cooking process.
2. Prepare vegetables: While the pasta cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, slice the black olives if whole, and chop the fresh parsley finely.
3. Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooled rotini pasta with the chopped vegetables and parsley evenly.
4. Add dressing: Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss everything together gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
5. Season: Taste the pasta salad and season with salt and pepper as desired. If needed, add a bit more dressing for extra flavor.
6. Portion into cups: Using a spoon, portion the salad into small clear plastic cups for easy serving and attractive presentation.
7. Chill and serve: Refrigerate the pasta salad cups until ready to serve, ideally for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Notes

• Rinsing the pasta under cold water prevents it from sticking and stops cooking immediately.
• You can substitute Italian dressing with homemade vinaigrette for a fresher taste.
• Adding chopped bell peppers or red onion can add extra crunch and flavor.
• For a creamier version, mix in some mayonnaise or Greek yogurt with the dressing.
• This salad can be prepared a day ahead, making it convenient for entertaining.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Pasta salad, Rotini pasta, Italian dressing, Cold salad, Party appetizer, Vegetarian