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Easy Meal Prep Pasta Salad

Easy Meal Prep Pasta Salad

Delicious Easy Meal Prep Pasta Salad recipe with step-by-step instructions for perfect flavors.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 12 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine Italian
Servings 12 servings
Calories 4050 kcal

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • mixing bowl
  • jar with a tight-fitting lid

Ingredients
  

For the pasta salad

  • 1 lb rotini I use Barilla for the best al dente texture
  • 1.5 cups cucumber diced into ½-inch pieces
  • 4 oz pepperoni
  • 0.5 cups sun-dried tomatoes chopped into ¼-inch bits for even distribution
  • 0.5 cups feta
  • 8 oz mozzarella pearls I prefer BelGioioso brand
  • 0.5 cups parmesan
  • 0.25 cups fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 0.33 cups sliced kalamata olives

For the dressing

  • 1 cup olive oil
  • 0.5 cups red wine vinegar I always use Pompeian for consistent acidity
  • 2 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoon oregano
  • 2 teaspoon basil
  • 1.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions
 

Dressing Preparation

  • In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Add the oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Seal the jar tightly and shake vigorously for 30 seconds until the dressing is well emulsified and the spices are evenly distributed. Set aside at room temperature while you prepare the other components.

Pasta Cooking

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually takes 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander but do not rinse it.

Ingredient Preparation

  • While the pasta cooks or immediately after draining it, dice the pepperoni into bite-sized pieces, chop the sun-dried tomatoes into ¼-inch bits, crumble or dice the feta cheese, and finely chop the fresh parsley. Arrange all prepped ingredients in separate small bowls.

Combine Ingredients

  • Transfer the drained pasta to a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing from Step 1 over the warm pasta and stir well to coat every piece. Add all the prepared ingredients from Step 3 and fold everything together gently but thoroughly.

Chill Salad

  • Transfer the pasta salad to an airtight container or cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours, preferably 12 hours, which allows the flavors to meld together.

Final Touch

  • Remove the pasta salad from the refrigerator and give it a good stir to redistribute any dressing that may have settled at the bottom. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 4050kcal
Keyword Easy Meal Prep Pasta Salad, Easy Recipes, meal prep, pasta salad, Salads
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