Mini Veggie-Packed Pasta Salad Cups
Colorful mini pasta salad cups packed with fresh veggies and a light Italian dressing, perfect for kids’ lunches or party snacks. This italian-inspired kid friendly (vegetarian) ready in about 23 minutes pairs (140g) mini shell pasta, (150g), halved cherry tomatoes, medium (100g), diced cucumber for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (140g) mini shell pasta
- 1 cup (150g), halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 medium (100g), diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup (50g) shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup (35g), sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup (125g) mozzarella pearls
- 2 tbsp (20g), finely diced red onion
- 1/3 cup (80ml) Italian dressing
- 2 tbsp (5g), chopped fresh basil leaves
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups mini shell pasta and cook for 8 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 diced cucumber, 1/2 cup shredded carrots, 1/4 cup sliced black olives, 1/2 cup mozzarella pearls, and 2 tbsp finely diced red onion.
- Step 3: Pour 1/3 cup Italian dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Step 4: Fold in 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil leaves for brightness.
- Step 5: Spoon the pasta salad into small cups or bowls and chill for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mini Veggie-Packed Pasta Salad Cups take to make?
Total time is about 23 minutes (15 min prep + 8 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Mini Veggie-Packed Pasta Salad Cups?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (140g) mini shell pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Mini Veggie-Packed Pasta Salad Cups?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Mini Veggie-Packed Pasta Salad Cups for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Mini Veggie-Packed Pasta Salad Cups vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
