Are you tired of the same old sandwich for lunch every day? Shake up your routine with this delicious Packed Lunch Pasta Salad recipe! Easy to assemble and perfectly portable, this pasta salad is a great option for those days when you need a quick and satisfying meal on the go. Packed with vibrant veggies, hearty pasta, and a zesty vinaigrette, this salad is sure to become a new favorite in your lunch rotation.
**Packed Lunch Pasta Salad**
**Ingredients:**
– 8 oz fusilli pasta
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 English cucumber, diced
– 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
– 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
**For the vinaigrette:**
– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. Cook the fusilli pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette. Adjust seasoning to taste.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped red bell pepper, sliced red onion, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped parsley.
4. Pour the vinaigrette over the pasta salad and toss gently until everything is well coated.
5. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or a splash of extra vinegar for extra flavor.
6. Divide the pasta salad into individual airtight containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
7. To serve, simply shake the container to redistribute the dressing, or pack a small container of extra vinaigrette on the side for a fresh drizzle before eating.
8. Enjoy your Packed Lunch Pasta Salad chilled or at room temperature for a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunchtime or a light dinner.
This Packed Lunch Pasta Salad is not only delicious but also versatile. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients such as grilled chicken, chickpeas, or roasted vegetables. The possibilities are endless, making it a great option for meal prepping or a quick weekday lunch. Pack a few portions for the whole family and see how this vibrant and flavorful pasta salad becomes a lunchtime favorite. Your taste buds and your body will thank you for this nutritious and tasty meal on the go.
