Description
Pasta Salad Cups are a fresh, creamy, and colorful appetizer served in crisp lettuce leaves. They are perfect for parties, light lunches, or easy make-ahead snacks.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta (small shapes like rotini or macaroni)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken or turkey, diced (optional)
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 8–10 large lettuce leaves (romaine or butter lettuce)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and let it cool completely.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and diced chicken or turkey if using.
- In a separate small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until evenly coated.
- Stir in the chopped parsley and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Wash and dry the lettuce leaves, keeping them whole to form cups.
- Spoon the pasta salad evenly into each lettuce leaf.
- Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to enhance flavor.
Notes
Add shredded carrots, bell peppers, corn, or peas for extra crunch and color.
Swap chicken or turkey with tuna, shrimp, or chickpeas for variation.
For a lighter version, increase Greek yogurt and reduce mayonnaise.
Store pasta salad and lettuce separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days.
Assemble just before serving to keep lettuce crisp.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
