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Easy Pasta Salad Meal Prep Recipe with Fresh Veggies

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This easy pasta salad is packed with fresh veggies, tossed in a tangy homemade vinaigrette, and perfect for meal prep. It’s quick to make, endlessly adaptable, and ideal for lunches, picnics, or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz short pasta (rotini, penne, or farfalle; whole wheat or gluten-free optional)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or grape tomatoes, quartered)
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced (English cucumber preferred)
  • 1 cup bell pepper, diced (red, yellow, or orange)
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar (or white balsamic)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced (or 1/4 tsp garlic powder)
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
  • 1/4 tsp salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese or shredded parmesan (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions (8-10 minutes) until just al dente.
  2. Drain pasta in a colander and rinse briefly with cold water to stop cooking and cool noodles.
  3. While pasta cooks, dice cucumber, bell pepper, halve cherry tomatoes, shred carrots, finely chop red onion (soak in water for 5 minutes to mellow flavor if desired), and slice black olives if using.
  4. In a small jar or bowl, combine olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Shake or whisk until emulsified.
  5. In a large bowl, toss cooled pasta with chopped veggies and olives. Pour dressing over while pasta is still slightly warm and mix well until evenly coated.
  6. Top with fresh parsley or basil and feta or parmesan if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. For meal prep, portion into airtight containers and refrigerate. Add cheese and herbs just before serving for best freshness.

Notes

For best texture, keep cheese and fresh herbs separate until serving if meal prepping. Adjust veggies based on season or preference. Use gluten-free pasta for allergies, and omit cheese or use plant-based cheese for vegan option. If salad dries out after chilling, toss with a splash of olive oil or vinegar before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, meal prep, vegetarian, easy, healthy, summer, picnic, lunch, fresh veggies, vinaigrette

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/easy-pasta-salad-meal-prep-recipe-with-fresh-veggies-5-steps/