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Easy Hidden Veggie Back to School Pasta Salad Recipe for Kids

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A quick, kid-friendly pasta salad that sneaks in finely grated veggies with a creamy homemade dressing, perfect for busy mornings and lunchboxes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) small pasta shapes like rotini or mini shells
  • 1 medium carrot, finely grated
  • 1 small zucchini, finely grated
  • ½ cup finely chopped red bell pepper
  • ¼ cup finely chopped fresh spinach or baby kale (optional)
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
  • ⅓ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional add-ins: sliced olives, cherry tomatoes halved, or cooked corn kernels

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) of pasta and cook according to package instructions (usually 8–10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside to drain completely.
  2. While the pasta cooks, finely grate 1 medium carrot and 1 small zucchini. Chop ½ cup red bell pepper and ¼ cup fresh spinach or baby kale very finely.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, 1 teaspoon honey, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, grated and chopped veggies, and ½ cup shredded cheese. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss everything together until well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Before serving, give it a gentle stir.

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water immediately after draining to prevent mushiness. Finely grate or chop veggies to blend seamlessly. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to meld flavors. Toss pasta with a splash of olive oil if it sticks together before mixing.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, hidden veggies, kid-friendly, back to school, quick lunch, healthy pasta salad, easy recipe

Find it online: https://cheerycrisp.com/easy-hidden-veggie-back-to-school-pasta-salad-recipe-for-kids/