Pasta Salad Cups Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Salads
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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 and Seasoning
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 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.
- Prepare Vegetables: Chop the cherry tomatoes in half, dice the cucumber, slice the black olives, and finely chop the fresh parsley.
- 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.
- 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.
- Season: Season the pasta salad with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust with more dressing if desired for moisture and flavor balance.
- Portion: Spoon the prepared pasta salad into small clear plastic cups, making it perfect for individual servings and easy presentation.
- 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
Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/pasta-salad-cups-recipe/
