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Pasta Salad Cups Recipe

Pasta Salad Cups Recipe

A refreshing and convenient take on classic pasta salad, perfectly portioned into individual cups for easy serving at picnics, BBQs, or as a make-ahead lunch.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 cups
Course: Lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Vegetables
  • 12 ounces Rotini pasta Or other small, twisty pasta shape
  • 1 cup Cherry tomatoes Halved
  • 1 cup Cucumber Diced
  • 1/2 cup Black olives Sliced
  • 1/2 cup Red onion Finely diced
  • 1/2 cup Pimentos or bell pepper Diced
Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup Red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain immediately and rinse well under cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch. Set aside to cool completely.
  2. While the pasta cools, prepare the dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced black olives, diced red onion, and diced pimentos/bell pepper.
  4. Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Fold gently with a spatula until everything is evenly coated. For best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  5. To serve as cups, divide the chilled pasta salad evenly among 8 individual small containers, ramekins, or clear plastic cups. Garnish each cup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired.
  6. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve. These salad cups are excellent for grab-and-go lunches.

Notes

For an added protein boost, mix in 1 cup of cubed cheddar cheese or cooked, chopped ham with the vegetables. Ensure the pasta is completely cool before mixing with the dressing to prevent the mayonnaise from separating.