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Easy Make-Ahead Mason Jar Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

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A quick, portable, and flavorful pasta salad layered in mason jars with rotini, salami, fresh veggies, cheese, and Italian dressing. Perfect for busy days, picnics, or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups rotini (uncooked)
  • 1 cup sliced salami, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cubed provolone cheese
  • 1/3 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups (about 200g) of rotini and cook according to package instructions, usually 8–10 minutes, until al dente.
  2. Drain and rinse pasta under cold water to stop cooking and cool quickly. Drain well and set aside.
  3. While pasta cooks, halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, dice 1/2 cup cucumber and 1/2 cup red bell pepper, and finely chop 1/4 cup red onion if using.
  4. Slice 1 cup of salami into bite-sized pieces and toss with the veggies in a mixing bowl.
  5. Shred 1/2 cup mozzarella or cube provolone cheese. Chop 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley if using and keep ready separately.
  6. Layer the mason jars starting with 2 tablespoons of Italian dressing at the bottom.
  7. Add a layer of salami and veggies, followed by half the pasta.
  8. Sprinkle half the cheese and herbs.
  9. Repeat layers with remaining dressing, veggies, pasta, and cheese.
  10. Finish with a light drizzle of dressing on top if desired.
  11. Seal jars tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  12. Before serving, shake the jar gently to mix or pour into a bowl.
  13. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add more Italian dressing if needed.

Notes

Rinse pasta immediately after boiling to stop cooking and keep it al dente. Layer dressing at the bottom to prevent sogginess. Season with salt and pepper just before serving to keep veggies crisp. Leave space in jars to shake or stir before eating. Store sealed jars in refrigerator up to 3 days. Avoid freezing. Reheat not recommended.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, mason jar salad, Italian dressing, make-ahead lunch, rotini pasta, salami salad, portable lunch, easy pasta salad

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/easy-make-ahead-mason-jar-pasta-salad-with-italian-dressing-recipe/