Small‑batch pasta salads are one of my favorite ways to keep things fresh, flavorful, and perfectly portioned for two. Traditional pasta salad recipes often call for an entire box of pasta, which is great for parties but not always practical for weeknight dinners or quick lunches. These four recipes were created with variety in mind, each offering a different flavor profile, dressing, and texture so you can enjoy something new every time without committing to a huge batch.
If you love a classic Italian pasta salad, you’ll find a delicious, familiar option that delivers all the traditional flavors in a smaller portion. If you’re craving something brighter, the Greek orzo pasta salad brings everything that you love about a Greek salad with a tangy citrus dressing. For a more unexpected twist, the Orange Sesame Couscous Salad adds citrus, nuttiness, and a unique texture that makes it stand out from the usual pasta salad lineup.
Each recipe is easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and comes together quickly, making them ideal for meal prep, summer dinners, or light lunches. These small‑batch pasta salads are perfect for couples, solo cooks, and anyone who wants big flavor without making a full box of pasta. Whether you prefer classic, fresh, or bold flavors, this collection gives you four delicious options that are all different, all simple, and all worth adding to your rotation.
A few Amazon products that I use in the creation of these pasta salads are:
Carote Pan Set https://amzn.to/4vG5suC
Acacia Wood Prep Bowls https://amzn.to/4g8U59H
Citrus Press https://amzn.to/4fa1HYp
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Here are the recipes!
Shortcut Tortellini Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 2 servings of cooked Cheese filled Tortellini
- 2 oz Mozzarella Cheese
- ¼ c Pesto
- 1/4 c Sliced Cherry Tomatoes
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a bowl and stir to combine.
- Serve now or chill this and enjoy later.
Orange Sesame Couscous Salad
Ingredients
- 2 Servings Couscous
- ½ t Ground Ginger
- 1 t Sesame Seeds
- ¼ c Mandarin Orange Juice
- ¼ c Olive Oil
- 1 t Sesame Oil
- 1 T Rice Vinegar
- ¼ c Mandarin Oranges I like to buy the individual Fruit Cups
- 1 c Shelled Edamame
- 2 c Shredded Cabbage or Cole Slaw Mix
- 2 T Grated Carrot
- 2 T Diced Celery
- 2 T Diced Red Onions
- 2 T Sliced Almonds
- 2 T Diced Cucumber
- ½ Avocado Diced
Instructions
- Cook the couscous according to the package directions, and if your edamame is frozen add that to the pot of water when you add your couscous
- In a large bowl make the dressing by combining the olive oil, vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, sesame seeds and the mandarin orange juice
- Once the couscous is cooked, stir to fluff it and add that to the bowl with the dressing.
- Add the rest of the ingredients and stir to combine.
- Enjoy!
Zingy Italian Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 2 Servings Pasta rotini, tricolored rotini or cavatappi all work well
- 2 Servings Pepperoni chopped
- 2 T Diced Cucumber
- 2 T Green Beans
- 2 T Black Olives
- 2 T Diced Red Onion
- 1 T Pickled Red Onion
- 2 Sliced Pepperoncini Peppers sliced
- ¼ c Sliced Cherry Tomatoes
- 2 ounces Feta Cheese
- 1 T Zingy Italian Seasoning Blend
- 1 T White Wine Vinegar
- 2 T Olive Oil
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a bowl and stir to combine.
- Enjoy!
Zingy Italian Seasoning Blend
Ingredients
- 1 T Parsley
- 1 T Celery Salt
- 1 T Oregano
- 1 T Basil
- 1 T Sugar
- 1 T Minced Onion
- 1 T Onion Powder
- 1 T Garlic Powder
- 1 t Paprika
- 1 t Salt
- 1 t Peppe
- 1 t Red Pepper Flakes
- ½ t Ground Thyme
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients and place in a mason jar or old spice jar.
- Enjoy!
Greek Orzo Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 2 Servings of Orzo
- 1 c Chicken Peas rinsed and drained
- 2 T Kalamata Olives
- 2 T Diced Cucumber
- 2 T Sliced Pepperoncini Peppers
- 2 oz Feta Cheese
- 2 T Diced red Onion
- 1/2 c Sliced Cherry Tomatoes
- ¼ c Olive Oil
- 1 Lemon Juiced
- 1 T Greek Seasoning Blend
- ½ t Honey this is optional, I would suggest making your dressing and do a taste test before adding any sweetness
Instructions
- Cook the orzo according to the package directions
- While the orzo is cooking, make your dressing by combining the olive oil, Greek seasoning blend, lemon juice and honey if using
- Once your orzo has been cooked and drained add all the ingredients to the bowl with the dressing and stir to combine.
- Enjoy!
Greek Seasoning Blend
Ingredients
- 2 T Oregano
- 2 T Basil
- 1 T Garlic Powder
- 1 T Onion Powder
- 1 t Salt
- 1 t Pepper
Instructions
- Combine all spices and store in an airtight container.
I hope you enjoy all four of these pasta salads. They are fresh, bright and delicious! Be sure to let me know which pasta salad you make. I’d love to hear what you think of the recipe.
Have a wonderful week!
