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Fresh Rainbow Pasta Salad Recipe Kids Love Easy Healthy Lunch Idea

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A quick, vibrant, and kid-friendly pasta salad featuring colorful veggies and a tangy dressing, perfect for a healthy lunch that kids actually ask for.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) tri-color rotini or any fun-shaped pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (heirloom if available)
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced into small cubes
  • 1 cup assorted bell peppers (red, yellow, orange), diced
  • 1 cup snap peas, trimmed and halved
  • 1 large carrot, shredded or julienned
  • Small handful fresh basil, chopped
  • Small handful fresh parsley, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) of rainbow or tri-color pasta. Cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes for al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta down. Set aside to drain completely.
  3. While pasta cooks, halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, dice 1 medium cucumber, and 1 cup of bell peppers into small, kid-friendly pieces. Trim and halve 1 cup of snap peas, and shred 1 large carrot. Chop a small handful each of fresh basil and parsley.
  4. In a small bowl or jar, combine 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of honey (or maple syrup), and 1 minced small garlic clove if using. Whisk or shake vigorously until well combined. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta and all the prepared vegetables and herbs. Pour the dressing over and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
  6. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if needed. For best flavor, let the salad rest in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes before serving.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta such as brown rice or chickpea-based pasta. Dressing is vegan if honey is swapped with maple syrup and garlic is omitted or replaced with roasted garlic. Rinsing pasta in cold water stops cooking and prevents clumping. Let salad chill for 15-20 minutes for best flavor. Adjust salt carefully for kids. Add protein like cooked chicken, chickpeas, or tuna for a heartier meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, kids lunch, healthy lunch, rainbow pasta salad, easy pasta salad, colorful pasta salad, quick lunch, kid-friendly recipe

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/fresh-rainbow-pasta-salad-recipe-kids-love-easy-healthy-lunch-idea/