These Cold Pasta Salad Cups turn a classic side dish into adorable, grab-and-go party food. Layered in clear cups, they’re colorful, fresh, and completely Instagram-worthy.
Perfect for BBQs, baby showers, graduation parties, potlucks, and summer gatherings.
table of contents
Why These Go Viral at Parties
✔ Individually portioned (no serving mess!)
✔ Bright, colorful layers
✔ Make-ahead friendly
✔ Budget-friendly ingredients
✔ Perfect for meal prep
✔ Totally customizable
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Servings: 8 cups
- Course: Side Dish / Party Appetizer
Ingredients
Pasta Salad Base
- 1 lb rotini or bowtie pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), diced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, cubed
- ½ cup red onion, finely diced (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 8 clear plastic cups (9 oz size)
Creamy Italian Dressing
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Italian dressing
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Cold Pasta Salad Cups
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
Cook pasta until just al dente.
Rinse with cold water and drain thoroughly.
2️⃣ Make the Dressing
Whisk mayo, Italian dressing, vinegar, garlic powder, herbs, salt, and pepper.
3️⃣ Marinate the Pasta
Toss cooled pasta with half the dressing.
Let sit at least 30 minutes for flavor.
4️⃣ Prep the Veggies
Dice vegetables into small, even pieces for clean layers.
5️⃣ Assemble the Cups
Layer into each cup:
- Pasta
- Tomatoes
- Pasta
- Cucumbers
- Cheese
- Bell peppers
Top with parsley.
Press gently between layers for clean presentation
6️⃣ Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Before serving, drizzle remaining dressing on top if needed.
Add-In & Substitution Ideas
Protein Options
- Grilled chicken
- Salami
- Pepperoni
- Turkey cubes
- Chickpeas (vegetarian option)
Cheese Swaps
- Mozzarella pearls
- Feta
- Colby Jack
- Pepper Jack
Estimated Nutrition (Per Cup)
Nutrition will vary depending on add-ins and dressing amounts.
Cold Pasta Salad Cups
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
- In a large bowl, toss the cooled pasta with the creamy Italian dressing until evenly coated.
- Let the pasta marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to absorb flavor.
- Layer the dressed pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and cheddar cheese into individual clear cups.
- Chill the assembled cups for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Conclusion
Cold Pasta Salad Cups are proof that presentation matters. By simply layering ingredients into clear cups, you transform a basic side dish into a conversation-starting party favorite.
They’re colorful, customizable, and guaranteed to disappear fast.
Perfect for your next gathering — and your next viral Pinterest post.