Kid-Friendly Pasta Salad
Kid-Friendly Pasta Salad is a vibrant, delicious dish that transforms mealtime into a fun experience for even the pickiest eaters. This colorful salad features tender rotini pasta mixed with juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy bell peppers, and refreshing cucumber, all tossed in a zesty Italian dressing. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, and quick weeknight dinners, this dish is sure to bring smiles to your family’s faces while creating lasting memories around the table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Salad
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups rotini pasta (uncooked)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup bell peppers (diced; mix of red, yellow, and green)
- 1 cup cucumber (diced)
- ½ cup black olives (sliced)
- ½ cup Italian dressing
Instructions
- Cook rotini pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- While the pasta cools, chop cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumber into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta with chopped veggies and sliced olives. Toss gently.
- Drizzle Italian dressing over the mixture; start with a few tablespoons and add more if desired. Toss again until well coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Substitute vegetables based on family preferences or seasonal availability. For added protein, include diced grilled chicken or chickpeas. Enhance freshness by adding a splash of lemon juice just before serving.