Quick Pasta Salad Lunch for Work

Name: Quick Pasta Salad Lunch for Work
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 200g pasta (fusilli or penne); 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, diced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1/4 cup black olives, sliced; 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Everyday Quick Meals Favorites

This Quick Pasta Salad is the perfect solution for a healthy and satisfying lunch at work. Packed with vibrant vegetables and a zesty dressing, it's both delicious and easy to prepare.

Created by

Lauren Mitchell

Last updated on 2026-01-03T04:29:34.935Z

This Quick Pasta Salad is not only a breeze to make but also a delightful and filling option for your work lunch. With fresh ingredients and a tangy dressing, it keeps well in the fridge, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Quick and easy to prepare in less than 20 minutes
Versatile with endless variations to suit your taste
Healthy and satisfying, packed with nutrients

      

Perfect for Meal Prep

This Quick Pasta Salad is an ideal choice for meal prepping your lunches for the week. By preparing a large batch at once, you can save time and ensure that you have a nutritious meal ready to go. Just divide the salad into individual containers and grab one each morning as you head out the door. It’s a fantastic way to stay on track with healthy eating, especially during busy workweeks.

Additionally, this pasta salad holds up well in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully over time. Just make sure to keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat, as this will maintain the freshness of the vegetables and prevent sogginess.

Customize Your Salad

One of the best aspects of this Quick Pasta Salad is its versatility. You can easily tailor it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. If you’re a fan of protein, consider adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even tuna. For a vegetarian option, try incorporating roasted vegetables or avocado.

Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta, such as whole wheat or gluten-free options. You can also switch up the vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. This recipe encourages creativity, making it a fun way to explore new flavor combinations.

Nutrition Benefits

This Quick Pasta Salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. The combination of fresh vegetables provides a wealth of vitamins and minerals, while the pasta offers carbohydrates for energy. Feta cheese adds a dose of calcium and protein, supporting bone health and muscle maintenance.

Moreover, the inclusion of olive oil and balsamic vinegar creates a heart-healthy dressing. Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats that can help lower bad cholesterol levels. By choosing this salad for lunch, you're not just enjoying a tasty meal—you're also nourishing your body.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Pasta Salad

200g pasta (fusilli or penne)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup black olives, sliced
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Mix and match your favorite vegetables to customize this salad!

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.

Prepare the Vegetables

While the pasta is cooking, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion. Place them in a large mixing bowl.

Combine Ingredients

Add the cooled pasta, olives, and feta cheese to the bowl with the vegetables. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to combine.

Serve

Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

This pasta salad is great for meal prep!

Storing Your Pasta Salad

To keep your Quick Pasta Salad fresh for as long as possible, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within three days, but it can last up to five days if properly stored. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and flavors.

If you find that the pasta has absorbed too much of the dressing after a day or two, simply drizzle a little extra olive oil or vinegar over the salad before serving. This will help revive the flavor and keep your salad delicious.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta salad can be enjoyed on its own or as a side dish. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as part of a picnic spread. Consider serving it with a slice of crusty bread or alongside a light soup for a complete meal.

For a more substantial lunch, add a protein source like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. This will elevate the salad from a side dish to a filling main course that will keep you energized throughout the workday.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, it's great for meal prep! You can make it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

→ What type of pasta works best?

Any short pasta like fusilli, penne, or rotini works well in this salad.

→ Can I customize the vegetables?

Absolutely! You can add or substitute any vegetables according to your preference.

→ How long does this salad last in the fridge?

It can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator if stored in an airtight container.