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back-to-school pasta salad - featured image

Back-to-School Pasta Salad: 5-Ingredient Lunch

  • Author: Liliana
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

A simple, kid-approved cold pasta salad that requires zero reheating and stays fresh all day. Made with just five ingredients, it’s the perfect stress-free lunch solution for busy school mornings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound rotini or penne pasta
  • ½ cup Italian dressing (vinaigrette style)
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
  • 1 cup chopped celery and bell peppers
  • 1 cup cooked chicken, diced (or canned tuna/chickpeas)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of garlic powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente (8-10 minutes).
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and immediately rinse under cold running water to stop cooking and cool it down. Shake to remove excess water.
  3. While the pasta cooks, chop the celery and bell peppers into small, uniform pieces (about ¼ inch). Cube the cheddar cheese.
  4. If using rotisserie chicken, dice it. If using canned tuna, drain thoroughly and flake it.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta and pour the Italian dressing over it. Toss gently to coat every noodle.
  6. Add the chopped veggies, cheese, and protein to the bowl. Sprinkle with black pepper and garlic powder if using.
  7. Toss everything together until evenly distributed.
  8. Cover the bowl or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight, to allow flavors to meld.
  9. Before serving, give the salad a quick stir to redistribute the dressing. Pack into lunch containers.

Notes

Do not skip the cold rinse step; it prevents the pasta from becoming mushy. Use a vinaigrette rather than a creamy dressing to prevent separation in the fridge. Chop vegetables small so they are easy for kids to eat. Cold food tastes less flavorful, so season generously. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Do not reheat.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups per child
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 4
  • Sodium: 400
  • Fat: 12
  • Saturated Fat: 3
  • Carbohydrates: 45
  • Fiber: 3
  • Protein: 15

Keywords: pasta salad, back-to-school lunch, kid-friendly lunch, meal prep, cold pasta salad, easy lunch, 5-ingredient recipe

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Find it online: https://dinnerecipeshub.com/back-to-school-pasta-salad-5-ingredient-lunch/