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Easy Veggie Pasta Salad Recipe with Italian Dressing for Kids to Love

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A kid-friendly veggie pasta salad featuring fresh vegetables, al dente pasta, and a homemade Italian dressing that’s tangy yet mild. Perfect for quick lunches or snacks that kids actually enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or mini shells pasta, cooked al dente
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup diced cucumber, peeled
  • ½ cup shredded carrots
  • ½ cup finely chopped red bell pepper
  • ¼ cup sliced black olives (optional)
  • ⅓ cup olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
  • 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella or mild cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the pasta and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Set aside to drain thoroughly for about 5 minutes.
  3. While pasta cooks, wash and chop the veggies: halve cherry tomatoes, dice peeled cucumber, shred carrots, finely chop red bell pepper, and slice olives if using. Keep pieces bite-sized.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, white wine vinegar, honey, dried Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta and chopped veggies. Pour the dressing over and toss gently but thoroughly to coat evenly.
  6. Add shredded cheese if desired and toss lightly again.
  7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  8. Before serving, give the salad a quick toss and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente and rinse under cold water to prevent mushiness. Chop veggies into small, bite-sized pieces for kid-friendliness. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors. Add extra olive oil or dressing if salad seems dry after chilling. Cheese and olives are optional and can be omitted for picky eaters or dietary needs.

Nutrition

Keywords: veggie pasta salad, Italian dressing, kids lunch, healthy pasta salad, easy pasta salad, kid-friendly recipe, quick lunch, vegetable salad

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/easy-veggie-pasta-salad-recipe-with-italian-dressing-for-kids-to-love/