Description
Transport your family to sunny picnics with this vibrant Kid-Friendly Pasta Salad, bursting with flavors and colors. This easy-to-make dish combines rotini pasta, fresh veggies, and a tangy Italian dressing, making it a delightful addition to any meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, it’s a recipe your kids will love and one you’ll enjoy preparing!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), diced
- ½ cup Italian dressing
- 1 cup mozzarella balls or cubed feta cheese
- ½ cup olives (black or green), sliced
- ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- While the pasta cools, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell peppers into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the chopped veggies, cheese, and olives.
- Drizzle Italian dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Sprinkle fresh herbs on top and cover with plastic wrap.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No cooking involved after pasta
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or add proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra nutrition. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; serve cold or at room temperature.