Name: Pasta Salad in a Jar
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 2 Servings
Cuisine: Italian

Jule’s Menu Verified

February 13, 2026

This simple pasta salad in a jar impresses with its Mediterranean, Italian flavors and is the perfect meal prep recipe for everyday office and work life. Once prepared, you can keep the salad for up to four days and enjoy it during your lunch break. The perfect alternative to canteen food or a sandwich from the bakery.

From the Cook

1/5

Pasta Salad in a Jar

Jule’s Menu Verified

Ingredients

WarningMilk and 5 other allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

Bring a pot of water to a boil, add salt, then add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve some of the pasta water before draining. Let the pasta cool in a colander.

Meanwhile, peel and finely dice the shallots, and wash the tomatoes. Add the shallots and olive oil to a pan and sauté with a little salt until translucent.

Once the shallots are translucent, add about two-thirds of the tomatoes and fry for about five to seven minutes over medium-high heat, covering the pan with a lid during this time.

Meanwhile, halve or quarter the remaining tomatoes and halve the olives. Wash and spin-dry the arugula and drain the tuna.

Once the tomatoes are nice and soft, reduce the heat slightly and gently crush them with a wooden spoon. Add the balsamic vinegar and about two tablespoons of pasta water and let it simmer for one to two minutes.

Divide the dressing between two glasses. Distribute the remaining tomatoes, olives, tuna, and pasta evenly between the glasses and top with arugula.

Seal jars tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to four days.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Layering Technique 🥫
Always layer your jar salad with dressing at the bottom, followed by harder ingredients like pasta and tuna, to prevent soggy greens and maintain crisp textures.
Pasta Cooling Hack 🍝
Rinse cooked whole wheat pasta with cold water and toss with a touch of olive oil to stop cooking and prevent sticking, ensuring perfect pasta texture in your salad.
Balsamic Flavor Boost 🫒
Toast shallots briefly before adding balsamic vinegar to enhance their natural sweetness and create a more complex, caramelized flavor profile in your dressing.
Tuna Selection Secret 🐟
Choose high-quality, sustainably caught tuna packed in olive oil for maximum flavor and a luxurious texture that elevates the entire pasta salad.
Jar Storage Pro Tip 🧊
Keep arugula and delicate ingredients on top of the jar to prevent wilting, and store the sealed jar upright in the refrigerator to maintain optimal freshness for up to four days.

Intelligent Tags

About the Cook

Jule’s Menu

Hi, I’m Julia, and I’m the recipe developer, photographer, and author behind Jules’ Menu. I’ve spent the last eight years perfecting healthy everyday recipes so they strike the perfect balance between healthy and nourishing, simple and practical, and gourmet-level delicious.