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Easy Lunchbox Pasta Salad Recipe with Zesty Italian Dressing for Perfect Meals

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A quick and easy pasta salad with a bright, tangy homemade Italian dressing, perfect for lunchboxes and on-the-go meals. This recipe is kid-approved, uses simple pantry ingredients, and holds up well without getting soggy.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) rotini or bowtie pasta, cooked al dente
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup bell peppers, finely diced (red or yellow)
  • 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
  • 2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes), stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down.
  3. While the pasta cooks, halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, dice 1 cup of bell peppers, chop 1/2 cup of cucumber, finely dice 2 tablespoons of red onion, slice 1/4 cup of Kalamata olives (if using), and chop 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley.
  4. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon honey, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste until emulsified and slightly thickened.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with all the chopped vegetables and parsley. Pour the zesty Italian dressing over the top and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before packing or serving to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta to avoid mushiness. Rinse pasta under cold water immediately after draining to stop cooking and prevent clumping. For best flavor, chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. Toss dressing just before serving or pack separately to keep salad crisp. Use gluten-free pasta and maple syrup for a vegan and gluten-free version. Optional additions include cooked chicken, tuna, chickpeas, feta, or Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, lunchbox recipe, Italian dressing, easy pasta salad, kid-friendly lunch, quick lunch, healthy pasta salad

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/easy-lunchbox-pasta-salad-recipe-with-zesty-italian-dressing-for-perfect-meals/