Cold Pasta Salad with Mozzarella, Tomatoes, and Olives

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Welcome! In this post, I am sharing a cold pasta salad recipe that is perfect for both school and work lunches.  

Every year, as summer comes to an end, I find myself experimenting in the kitchen to create meals that make a good school lunch.  One of my child's favorite types of packed lunch is a cold pasta salad.  We usually make a big batch of pasta salad for dinner and pack the leftovers for lunch.      

Why make cold pasta salad?  

  • Cold pasta salad makes great leftovers that can be packed in a school lunch or work lunch.  Packing a cold lunch means no wasting time waiting in line to use the microwave.  
  • Pasta salads are nutritious and filling, especially if you add a variety of colorful vegetables.     
  • Pasta salads are - for the most part - easy to prepare.  Most of the ingredients can be prepped in advance.  The pasta salad can marinate in the refrigerator to infuse its flavors. 
  • Pasta salads are versatile.  You can experiment with different pasta shapes, substitute different cheeses, and add in herbs and spices.   
Ingredients:
  • 12oz penne pasta
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Seasonings: salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder
  • 1 cup sliced grape tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup sliced black olives
  • 5 oz. cubes mozzarella cheese 
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain pasta.
  • Place cooked pasta in a large bowl; make sure the bowl has a well-fitting lid.
  • Add 1/4 cup of oil to pasta and gently stir.
  • Season pasta with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.  Gently stir.
  • Add in remaining ingredients (tomatoes, olives, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese).  Stir the pasta salad again.  
  • Place the pasta salad in the refrigerator.  Marinate the salad for at least 1 hour.
  • This pasta salad makes 6 servings.

Notes:
  • If you prefer a sharper tasting pasta salad, add a splash of red wine vinegar.    
  • If you want more vegetables, try serving this dish over a bed of spinach leaves or other leafy greens.
More Cold Lunch / Dinner Ideas:

Recipe Inspired by: 

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