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Easy Cold Pasta Salad Lunchbox Cups: Best 10-Min Recipe

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These Easy Cold Pasta Salad Lunchbox Cups with Mozzarella and Salami are practical, delicious, and perfect for make-ahead lunches. Ready in 10 minutes, they hold up beautifully in a lunchbox and taste even better the next day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225g) rotini pasta
  • 4 oz (115g) Genoa salami, sliced and quartered
  • 4 oz (115g) fresh mozzarella pearls, halved
  • 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ¼ cup (40g) red onion, finely diced
  • ¼ cup (10g) fresh basil, chopped
  • 3 tbsp (45ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp (5ml) Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: Kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or cucumber

Instructions

  1. Boil the pasta: Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Add a generous tablespoon of salt. Add the rotini and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally.
  2. Make the dressing: In a small bowl or mason jar, combine 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and the minced garlic. Add a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper. Whisk or shake until emulsified.
  3. Drain and dress warm: When the pasta is al dente, drain it in a colander. Do not rinse. Immediately transfer the hot pasta to a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the warm pasta and toss well. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes, tossing occasionally.
  4. Prep the add-ins: While the pasta cools, quarter the salami slices, halve the mozzarella pearls, halve the cherry tomatoes, finely dice the red onion, and chop the basil.
  5. Combine everything: Once the pasta is warm but not hot, add the salami, mozzarella, tomatoes, red onion, and basil. Toss gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a splash of vinegar if needed.
  6. Portion into cups: Divide the pasta salad evenly among 4-5 airtight containers. Press it down gently so it stays compact. Seal the lids tightly.
  7. Chill and enjoy: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving if you have time. These are delicious right away too.

Notes

Tossing the warm pasta with the dressing right after draining lets the pasta absorb all the flavor. This is the secret to pasta that tastes marinated, not just coated. For best results, make a day ahead. If packing for school or work, keep a small container of extra dressing on the side to freshen up leftovers.

Nutrition

Keywords: cold pasta salad, lunchbox cups, meal prep, easy lunch, mozzarella, salami, 10-minute recipe

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/easy-cold-pasta-salad-lunchbox-cups-best-10-min-recipe/