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Easy Cold Lunch Spiral Pasta Salad Recipe Perfect for Kids Lunchboxes

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A quick and easy spiral pasta salad perfect for kids’ lunchboxes, featuring fresh veggies, a light vinaigrette, and kid-friendly flavors that stay delicious cold.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces spiral pasta (rotini), cooked al dente
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • ½ cup shredded carrots (optional)
  • ½ cup cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded
  • ¼ cup black olives, sliced (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of spiral pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
  2. Drain pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
  3. While pasta cooks, halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, dice 1 medium cucumber, and shred ½ cup carrots. Cut ½ cup cheddar cheese into small cubes. Slice ¼ cup black olives if using.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, prepared veggies, cheese, olives, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  7. Before packing for lunch, give the salad a quick stir and taste. Add a pinch more salt or a splash of vinegar if needed.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta; al dente is best to prevent mushiness. Rinse pasta under cold water to cool quickly and stop cooking. Keep dressing separate if making ahead to avoid soggy pasta. Chop veggies uniformly for easy eating. Toss gently to keep salad visually appealing.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, kids lunchbox, spiral pasta, cold salad, easy lunch, healthy lunch, kid-friendly, quick recipe

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/easy-cold-lunch-spiral-pasta-salad-recipe-perfect-for-kids-lunchboxes/