Pasta Salad Cups Recipe

Introduction

This Pasta Salad Cups recipe is a fresh and colorful twist on a classic pasta salad. Perfect for parties or easy snacks, these individual cups make serving simple and mess-free. Ready in just 30 minutes, they are both delicious and convenient.

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 parsley into bite-sized pieces.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the chopped vegetables and parsley.
4. Step 4: Pour in the Italian dressing and toss everything together until evenly coated.
5. Step 5: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add more dressing if needed for extra flavor.
6. Step 6: Using a spoon, portion the salad into small clear plastic cups for easy serving.
7. Step 7: Refrigerate the salad cups until ready to serve. Enjoy them chilled for the best taste.

Tips & Variations

• For added protein, mix in cooked chicken or chickpeas before portioning.
• Use a vinaigrette or homemade dressing for a fresher taste.
• Try adding other vegetables like bell peppers or shredded carrots for more color and crunch.
• Fresh herbs like basil or dill also complement the flavors well.

Storage

Store the pasta salad cups covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed chilled and should be consumed within this time for freshness. If desired, toss gently before serving to redistribute the dressing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these pasta salad cups in advance?

Yes, you can make them a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated. This allows the flavors to meld and makes serving very easy.

What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta like rotini, penne, or fusilli works well because they hold the dressing and mix nicely with the chopped vegetables.

Pasta Salad Cups Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 51 reviews

A refreshing and colorful Pasta Salad Cups recipe perfect for parties and potlucks. This easy-to-make dish combines al dente rotini pasta with fresh cherry tomatoes, cucumber, black olives, and parsley, all tossed in tangy Italian dressing. Served chilled in individual portions, it’s an ideal grab-and-go appetizer or side dish.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 10 servings 1x
• Category: Salads
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

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 and Seasoning

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

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Boil the rotini pasta in salted water until it is al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Then drain and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
2. Prepare Vegetables: Chop the cherry tomatoes in half, dice the cucumber, slice the black olives, and finely chop the fresh parsley.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cooled pasta, chopped cherry tomatoes, cucumber, black olives, and parsley, combining all the fresh flavors evenly.
4. Add Dressing: Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta and vegetables, then toss thoroughly until everything is evenly coated in the dressing, ensuring full flavor coverage.
5. Season: Season the pasta salad with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust with more dressing if desired for moisture and flavor balance.
6. Portion: Spoon the prepared pasta salad into small clear plastic cups, making it perfect for individual servings and easy presentation.
7. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the pasta salad cups until ready to serve. Enjoy the salad chilled for the best taste and freshness.

Notes

• Use rotini pasta or any spiral-shaped pasta for best results as it holds dressing well.
• Feel free to substitute Italian dressing with vinaigrette or your favorite salad dressing.
• For added protein, consider mixing in cooked chicken or chickpeas.
• Can be prepared a few hours ahead and stored in the fridge for convenience.
• Drain olives well to avoid excess moisture in the salad.

Keywords: Pasta Salad, Rotini Salad, Easy Pasta Salad, Italian Dressing Salad, Party Appetizer, Picnic Food