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Easy Cold Italian Pasta Salad: Best Kids Lunchbox

easy cold italian pasta salad lunchbox for kids - featured image
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A simple, colorful, and kid-friendly cold pasta salad with tender pasta, fresh veggies, mozzarella, and a zesty Italian dressing. Perfect for school lunches, picnics, and busy mornings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (about 200g) dry small pasta shapes (rotini, farfalle, or ditalini)
  • 1 cup (about 150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup (about 120g) fresh mozzarella pearls, halved
  • 1/2 cup (about 60g) diced yellow or orange bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup (about 30g) finely diced red onion
  • 1/4 cup (about 25g) sliced black olives (optional)
  • 1/4 cup (about 15g) chopped fresh basil
  • 1/3 cup (about 80ml) good quality Italian dressing
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Fill a large pot with water, bring to a rolling boil, add a generous pinch of salt, and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente (about 7-9 minutes). Stir occasionally.
  2. Drain and cool the pasta: Drain in a colander, rinse under cold running water for 30 seconds to stop cooking, and shake off excess water. Let sit to drain completely.
  3. Prep the vegetables: Halve cherry tomatoes, dice bell pepper into small pieces, finely dice red onion, slice olives (if using), and chop basil into thin ribbons.
  4. Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine Italian dressing, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and garlic powder. Whisk or shake until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Combine everything: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, olives (if using), basil, and mozzarella pearls. Pour dressing over the top and gently fold until evenly coated.
  6. Chill and let flavors meld: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (1 hour is better) to allow flavors to meld.
  7. Portion into lunchboxes: Stir the chilled salad, then divide into lunchbox containers. Add an ice pack to keep cold until lunchtime.

Notes

For best results, let the salad rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If making ahead, store tomatoes and basil separately and add just before serving to keep them crunchy. Start with less dressing and add more if needed after chilling.

Nutrition

Keywords: cold pasta salad, Italian pasta salad, kids lunchbox, easy lunch, school lunch, pasta salad recipe

Find it online: https://grubella.com/easy-cold-italian-pasta-salad-best-kids-lunchbox/