Why You’ll Love Ultimate Lunch Box Pasta Salad Recipe for a Flavorful Meal Recipe
This pasta salad is a great choice for a busy day when you want something tasty, healthy, and satisfying. It’s packed with vibrant vegetables, hearty pasta, and a zesty dressing that ties everything together. It’s easy to customize with your favorite ingredients and can be made in advance, making it a perfect option for meal prep. Plus, it holds up well in the fridge, so you can enjoy leftovers for a few days!
Ingredients
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2 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle work well)
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1/2 cup cucumber, diced
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1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
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1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
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1/4 cup black olives, sliced
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1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
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1/4 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down quickly. Set aside.
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While the pasta is cooling, prepare the vegetables. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, dice the cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion and bell pepper.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and black olives.
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Add the crumbled feta cheese and drizzle with the Italian dressing.
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Toss everything together until well combined. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
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Chill the pasta salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 4-6 people as a main dish or 6-8 as a side dish. The total prep time is about 20 minutes, and the chilling time is at least 30 minutes. If you’re preparing this as part of a meal prep, the salad will keep well for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Variations
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Add protein: Include grilled chicken, turkey, or chickpeas for extra protein.
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Swap out cheese: Try mozzarella or goat cheese in place of feta for a different flavor.
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Change the dressing: Swap the Italian dressing with a balsamic vinaigrette or a creamy ranch dressing.
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Use gluten-free pasta: For a gluten-free version, simply swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta.
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Add more veggies: You can add sweet corn, spinach, or even roasted vegetables to increase the veggie intake.
Storage/Reheating
Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It’s best served cold, but it will still be tasty for several days after making. There’s no need to reheat; it’s perfect as a chilled salad. If you feel like it has absorbed too much of the dressing, just add a little more before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, this pasta salad is perfect for meal prep! You can make it up to 2-3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors get better as it sits.
2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as rotini, farfalle, or fusilli. Just make sure it holds the dressing well.
3. Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian. If you’d like to add some protein, grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas are great options.
4. Can I use a different dressing for this salad?
Yes, you can swap the Italian dressing for other options like balsamic vinaigrette, ranch, or creamy Caesar dressing depending on your preference.
5. How can I make this pasta salad spicier?
To add some heat, include some red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or a spicy dressing. You could also add a bit of hot sauce or sriracha to the dressing.
6. Can I use store-bought feta cheese?
Yes, store-bought crumbled feta cheese works perfectly. However, for a fresher taste, you can buy a block of feta and crumble it yourself.
7. How long will this pasta salad last in the fridge?
This pasta salad will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
8. Can I freeze this pasta salad?
It’s not recommended to freeze pasta salad, as the texture of the vegetables and dressing may change after thawing.
9. What other vegetables can I add to this salad?
You can add any vegetables you like! Some great options include bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, or even leafy greens like spinach or arugula.
10. Can I make this a low-carb version?
To make a low-carb version, you can swap the pasta for spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice. Both options work well in place of traditional pasta.
Conclusion
The Ultimate Lunch Box Pasta Salad is an easy, delicious, and customizable recipe that’s perfect for busy days, meal prep, or a flavorful lunch. With its combination of fresh vegetables, pasta, and tangy dressing, it’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. Plus, it’s easy to adjust based on your preferences, making it a versatile and healthy option for any occasion.
Ultimate Lunch Box Pasta Salad Recipe for a Flavorful Meal
This Ultimate Lunch Box Pasta Salad is the perfect balance of flavors, packed with vibrant veggies, tender pasta, and a tangy dressing. Ideal for meal prep or a quick, flavorful lunch, it’s a satisfying, healthy option that’s both easy to make and perfect for on-the-go meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups rotini or your favorite pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, olives, and mozzarella cheese.
- Drizzle with Italian dressing and olive oil. Toss to coat the ingredients evenly.
- Sprinkle with dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days for the best flavor.
Notes
- Feel free to customize by adding your favorite veggies or proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra texture and nutrition.
- For a creamier version, you can add a spoonful of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to the dressing.
- This pasta salad can be made a day ahead for the best flavor.
