Name: 5 Minute Lunchbox Pasta Salad
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 100 g cooked pasta; 0.5 teaspoon olive oil; 0.5 teaspoon white wine vinegar Sprinkle of oregano 40 g cucumber 35 g cherry tomatoes 30 g cheese 1 pepperami stick

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This 5 Minute Lunchbox Pasta Salad is a quick, easy, and refreshing meal perfect for busy mornings. Using leftover pasta, fresh veggies, cheese, and a little seasoning, it’s a no-fuss recipe that comes together in minutes. Ideal for kids’ lunchboxes, office meals, or a light snack on the go.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in just 5 minutes with simple ingredients.
Perfect for meal prep and lunchboxes.
A great way to use up leftover pasta.
Customizable with different veggies, meats, or cheeses.
Light, refreshing, and kid-approved.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

100 g cooked pasta
0.5 teaspoon olive oil
0.5 teaspoon white wine vinegar
sprinkle of oregano
40 g cucumber
35 g cherry tomatoes
30 g cheese
1 pepperami stick

Directions

Rinse leftover pasta under cold water and drain well.
Place the pasta in a bowl and mix in olive oil, white wine vinegar, and oregano.
Chop cucumber, cherry tomatoes, cheese, and pepperami into bite-sized pieces.
Add them to the pasta and mix well.
Transfer to a lunchbox and refrigerate until ready to eat.

Servings and timing

Servings: 1 portion
Prep time: 5 minutes
Total time: 5 minutes

Variations

Swap pepperami for cooked chicken, ham, or tuna.
Use feta cheese instead of regular cheese for a Mediterranean twist.
Add olives, sweetcorn, or bell peppers for more color and flavor.
Swap oregano for Italian seasoning or fresh basil.
Make it vegetarian by leaving out the pepperami.

Storage/Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Best enjoyed cold straight from the fridge.
Do not freeze, as the texture of pasta and veggies will change.

FAQs

Can I make this pasta salad the night before?

Yes, it’s perfect for making ahead and storing in the fridge overnight.

What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta like penne, fusilli, or bowtie pasta works best for salads.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, just leave out the pepperami or replace it with roasted veggies.

Can I use regular vinegar instead of white wine vinegar?

Yes, but white wine vinegar gives a lighter, fresher taste.

How do I stop the pasta from sticking?

Rinsing with cold water and tossing with olive oil helps prevent sticking.

Can I double the recipe for meal prep?

Absolutely, just multiply the ingredients and store in separate lunchboxes.

Is this kid-friendly?

Yes, kids love the simple flavors and bite-sized pieces.

Can I use leftover roasted vegetables?

Yes, roasted peppers, courgettes, or aubergine make great additions.

What cheese works best?

Cheddar, mozzarella cubes, or feta all work well.

Can I add a protein boost?

Yes, add grilled chicken, boiled eggs, or tuna for extra protein.

Conclusion

This 5 Minute Lunchbox Pasta Salad is the ultimate quick meal for busy days. It’s versatile, refreshing, and so easy to prepare with leftover pasta and simple ingredients. Whether for school, work, or a picnic, this pasta salad is a convenient and tasty option you’ll want to make again and again.