KID-APPROVED PASTA SALAD: SUMMER IN A BOWL
There’s something about pasta salad that just feels like summertime in a bowl. Anyone else agree? It’s light, refreshing, and incredibly easy to prepare in just a matter of minutes! And when you’re used to long ingredient lists and even longer prep times, pasta salad is a lifesaver. It’s a dish that I make over and over again, especially when the weather grows warmer and the days get busier.
But, truthfully, convenience isn’t even the main reason I love making pasta salad so much! I really love it because you can make it nutritious, versatile, colorful, and most importantly, kid-friendly. Whether you’re dealing with little picky eaters or mini foodies, you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit different needs.
That’s why today, I’m introducing you all to my favorite kid-friendly pasta salad recipe. From midday breaks during summer sensory play to easy dinners, this is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive in!
Kid-Approved Pasta Salad Made: Summer in a Bowl
This pasta salad recipe is one that checks off all the boxes—it’s colorful, crunchy, and completely customizable. As a parent, I love making it because I know how much healthier and yummier an alternative it is. It has pasta (of course), a balanced blend of veggies, and a light dressing that won’t upset tiny tummies.
But for kids, it’s the perfect mix of tastes and textures that they’re most likely already familiar and comfortable with. The noodles are soft, the veggies are crunchy, and the dressing is tangy enough to tie it all together.
It’s a much more filling and nutritional approach to traditional snacktime foods like potato chips and cookies. And, trust me, we’ve got plenty of that going on, too! (Cue my S’mores cookie recipe.) But, there’s a time and place for everything, and sometimes you just need a refreshing pasta salad to balance everything out.
Now, a lot of people claim to have “healthy” pasta salad recipes, but it doesn’t always feel healthy. With oil-heavy dressings and an abundance of noodles, you almost want to ask, “How healthy can it be?” Before we dive into the recipe, let’s discuss whether pasta salad is truly nutritious or just visually appealing.
Is Pasta Salad Healthy for Kids?
It’s true—pasta salad can absolutely be healthy for kids, which is why I love it so much! It’s SO easy to pack full of those good-for-you ingredients that support growth and development. Even the pasta itself, while not typically considered a healthy food, is a fantastic source of complex carbs. And for kids, carbs are the secret fuel that powers play, growth, and everything in between. This won’t just keep them energized, it also helps them feel full and satisfied for much longer.
We haven’t even discussed the good stuff yet! Veggies are the real MVPs of the dish—they’re loaded with fiber, packed with vitamins, and bursting with antioxidants.. Think: black olives, grape tomatoes, bell peppers, English cucumbers, chopped onions—your options are endless.
Here are a few more of my favorite healthy hacks while we’re at it…
Swap out regular noodles for whole-grain ones to add an extra fiber boost.
Want more protein? Add chopped chicken (or any other meat you prefer).
Craving a fresh, savory topping that supports heart health and is packed with nutrients? Switch things up with a pesto pasta salad, instead!
See where I’m going with this? This easy pasta salad recipe hits all the key food groups, making it a nourishing choice that parents and kids will love! Now let’s look at this step-by-step guide for making pasta salad and a yummy homemade dressing.
How To Make Pasta Salad For Kids
Ingredients:
3 cups of pasta (you can pick a fun shape or color to add to the intrigue!)
1 cup sliced bell pepper
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
3 green onions, thinly sliced
2 cups of English cucumber (sliced into half moons)
½ to 1 cup crumbled feta or shredded cheese
(Optional) 1 to ½ cups of cooked chickpeas
Salt and pepper
⅓ cup fresh basil
1 cup halved olives
Instructions:
Step 1: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the instructions on the box.
Step 2: Once your pasta is fully cooked, rinse it with cold water. This ensures that it won’t get mushy while it sits.
Step 3: After your pasta is drained and rinsed, add it to a large bowl and set it aside.
Step 4: For some ingredients, it may be more convenient to buy them already prepared, such as halved olives or cherry tomatoes. Nonetheless, be sure to wash any vegetables that you’re preparing yourself.
Step 5: Halve your olives, cucumbers, and cherry or grape tomatoes. Then, thinly slice your bell peppers and green onions. Once all of your veggies have been chopped, diced, or sliced, add them to the bowl with the pasta.
Step 6: Now that your pasta and veggies are combined, you can add your shredded cheese or crumbled feta, as well as fresh basil. Also, add any salt, pepper, or additional seasonings now, too.
Step 7: Now, add your dressing! Stir the dressing into the salad, making sure to blend everything evenly.
Step 8 (Optional): Before serving, feel free to sprinkle more cheese and basil on top. Then voila, you’re done!
How to Make Kid-Approved Pasta Salad Dressing
Don’t have a pasta salad dressing recipe you already love? Don’t worry! While traditional choices like zesty Italian dressing and balsamic vinaigrette are convenient, sometimes you just want a homemade dressing instead. Here’s a dressing recipe that’s light, yummy, and super easy to make.
Ingredients:
1 cup olive oil
⅓ cup red wine vinegar
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
½ to 1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
(Optional) 2-4 cloves of fresh minced garlic per 1 cup of dressing
Instructions:
Step 1: Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl. Don’t worry about adding them in a specific order—they’ll all blend together regardless!
Step 2: Make sure to whisk or stir until everything is evenly blended (it will truly take just a second!).
Step 3: Simply pour your dressing onto your pasta salad and mix well. That’s all it takes!
Have any leftovers? Don’t throw them away! Store them in an airtight container (like these snack boxes) and save it for later. Pasta salad is good in the fridge, on average, for 3 to 7 days. Remember, oil-based dressings will stay fresh longer than milk- or mayo-based dressings.
Make summer meals easy with this kid-approved pasta salad recipe!
When summer comes around, chances are your itinerary is full of exciting activities and days of sensory play. This means that when it’s time for the infamous “What’s for dinner?” question, you’re just as exhausted as the kids! Take the stress off of yourself and make mealtime easy with this delicious and nutritious pasta salad recipe.
Want even more easy-to-make, kid-friendly recipes? Check out these posts:
If you’re looking for fun and imaginative independent play ideas, pre-order our new book, Playful by Design! It’s a guide to transforming your home into a place of creativity and connection, igniting kids’ imagination, and fostering independence.
Check out the Mothercould blog for more super yummy recipes and endless engaging sensory play activities! And, for more in-depth tutorials, helpful cleaning tips, and exciting activity packs, download the Mothercould in Your Pocket resource.