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Chilled Mediterranean Pasta Salad Cups for College Students

Chilled Mediterranean Pasta Salad Cups for College Students

These Chilled Mediterranean Pasta Salad Cups are the ultimate refreshing summer meal for busy college students. Packed with colorful vegetables, tender pasta, creamy feta cheese, and a light homemade Mediterranean dressing, this easy no-fuss recipe is perfect for dorm lunches, meal prep, picnics, or quick dinners on hot days. Fresh, flavorful, budget-friendly, and satisfying, this chilled pasta salad delivers restaurant-style taste with simple ingredients and minimal effort.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Salad
  • 3 cups rotini pasta cooked and cooled
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 large cucumber diced
  • 1/4 red onion thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup black olives sliced
  • 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil chopped
For the Mediterranean Dressing
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Optional Add-Ins
  • Grilled chicken
  • Chickpeas
  • Bell peppers
  • Avocado
  • Spinach
  • Mozzarella pearls
  • Sun-dried tomatoes

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander or strainer
  • Cutting board
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl or jar for dressing
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Mixing spoon or salad tongs
  • Airtight containers or serving cups

Method
 

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse briefly under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
  1. Wash and chop all fresh ingredients. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the parsley and basil.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
  1. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, onions, olives, feta cheese, parsley, and basil.
Step 5: Add the Dressing
  1. Pour the Mediterranean dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
Step 6: Chill Before Serving
  1. Transfer the pasta salad into serving cups or airtight containers. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor and refreshing texture.

Notes

For extra protein, add grilled chicken, shrimp, tuna, or chickpeas.
Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier version.
Fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor compared to bottled juice.
The salad tastes even better after chilling for several hours.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
If the salad becomes slightly dry after refrigeration, refresh it with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Add cucumbers just before serving if making the salad far ahead to keep them extra crisp.