Description

Small pasta salad cups are a delightful summer treat that combines colorful vegetables, tender pasta, and a zesty dressing in a convenient, bite-sized serving. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or casual dinners, these refreshing cups bring joy to any gathering while being incredibly easy to prepare. Customize them with your favorite ingredients for a personalized touch that will impress family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup small pasta (elbow macaroni or shells)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1 cup bell peppers (any color), diced
½ cup olives (black or green), sliced
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
While the pasta cools, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and olives into bite-sized pieces.
In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until combined.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta with chopped vegetables. Drizzle dressing over the mixture and toss gently until evenly coated.
Spoon salad into small cups for serving. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-cook
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
Calories: 290
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: - Swap vegetables based on seasonal availability for freshness. - Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein. - Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an extra touch of flavor.