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Fresh Mason Jar Pasta Salad Lunchbox Recipe Easy Homemade Italian Dressing

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A fresh and portable pasta salad layered in a mason jar with homemade Italian dressing, perfect for quick lunches and meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of sugar
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella pearls or diced mozzarella
  • Fresh basil leaves, torn
  • Optional extras: 1/4 cup pepperoni slices or cooked diced chicken
  • Optional: red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces rotini and cook 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water; drain well.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  3. Toss drained pasta with half the dressing gently to coat evenly without saturating.
  4. Prepare vegetables: halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber and bell peppers, thinly slice red onion, slice olives, and tear basil leaves.
  5. Layer jars starting with 2 tablespoons of remaining dressing at the bottom, then add cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers, followed by pasta, mozzarella, red onion, basil, and optional extras.
  6. Seal jars tightly and refrigerate up to 3 days; best eaten within 24-48 hours.
  7. To serve, shake jar vigorously or pour contents into a bowl and toss. Enjoy cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Rinse pasta after cooking to prevent sticking and sogginess. Layer dressing at the bottom and delicate ingredients on top to keep textures fresh. Shake jar before eating for best flavor. Can be customized with proteins or alternative veggies. Store refrigerated up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, mason jar lunch, Italian dressing, easy lunch, meal prep, portable salad, healthy lunch

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/fresh-mason-jar-pasta-salad-lunchbox-recipe-easy-homemade-italian-dressing/