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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooled rotini pasta with the chopped vegetables and parsley evenly.
- Add dressing: Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss everything together gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Season: Taste the pasta salad and season with salt and pepper as desired. If needed, add a bit more dressing for extra flavor.
- Portion into cups: Using a spoon, portion the salad into small clear plastic cups for easy serving and attractive presentation.
- 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
