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Easy Mason Jar Pasta Salad Recipe for Perfect Grab-and-Go Lunches

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A quick and easy layered pasta salad packed in mason jars, perfect for grab-and-go lunches that stay fresh and flavorful without reheating.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups tri-color rotini pasta (about 6 oz / 170 g), cooked al dente
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup cucumber, diced
  • ½ cup bell peppers, diced (red or yellow)
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • ¼ cup black olives, sliced
  • ¼ cup shredded mozzarella or feta cheese (or vegan cheese alternative)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 ½ tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 ½ cups (170 g) tri-color rotini and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain well and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside to drain completely.
  2. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 ½ tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 minced garlic clove, and ½ teaspoon honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until emulsified and smooth.
  3. Chop the veggies: Halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber and bell peppers, finely chop red onion, slice olives, and chop fresh herbs.
  4. Layer the mason jars: Spoon 2 tablespoons of dressing at the bottom of each jar. Add about ½ cup of cooked pasta, then layer 2 tablespoons each of cucumber, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives, and cheese. Sprinkle with fresh herbs on top.
  5. Seal and chill: Screw on the jar lids tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 3 days.
  6. Before eating: Shake the jar vigorously to mix the dressing through the salad or pour contents into a bowl and toss. Enjoy cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente and rinse under cold water to prevent mushiness. Layer dressing at the bottom to keep salad fresh and prevent sogginess. Use wide-mouth mason jars for easier filling and eating. Shake well before eating. Can be customized with proteins or seasonal veggies.

Nutrition

Keywords: mason jar pasta salad, easy pasta salad, grab-and-go lunch, layered salad, healthy lunch, meal prep salad

Find it online: https://katedishes.com/easy-mason-jar-pasta-salad-recipe-for-perfect-grab-and-go-lunches/