Pasta Salad
No intro needed for this yummy salad! It’s so easy, a middle school aged kid starting to cook simple dishes can do this. Great for weekday lunches, or a light snack.
Servings Prep Time
3-4servings 5mins
Cook Time Passive Time
10mins 2hours to chill
Servings Prep Time
3-4servings 5mins
Cook Time Passive Time
10mins 2hours to chill
Ingredients
  • 1box tricolor rotini
  • 2medium Juicy, ripe tomatoes
  • 1/2cup feta cheeseplain, or tomato basil flavor
  • 1cup Assorted veggiescucumber, red onions, carrots, broccoli – your choice
  • 2 – 3tbsp Italian zesty salad dressingI have always used Kraft Zesty, use any brand of your choice
  • 2tsp Extra virgin olive oil
  • 1.5tsp Salt
  • 1/2tsp fresh ground pepperadd more if needed
  • 1/4cup black or green olivesoptional
  • 1/4cup torn fresh basil
Instructions
  1. Chop vegetables into big chunks
  2. Cook pasta per instructions on the box; al dente texture works best for this salad, try not to overcook it; drain. (Make sure you salt the pasta water)
  3. Drizzle olive oil
  4. Drizzle the dressing
  5. Top with freshly ground pepper
  6. Add vegetables and torn strips of basil
  7. Toss everything together and refrigerate for an hour or two to chill.
Recipe Notes

This dish gave me an insight into the psychology of kids and new foods. I never forced my kids to eat anything they didn’t want to try at first, but would offer it every few months – and they would surprise me, and themselves, by trying it and find that they love it. With the pasta salad, I remember one day I was making it to take to work for lunch, as my kids ate their breakfast and watched me. As I brought out all the ingredients, I could see their interest was piqued, but ignored, and continued to make it and pack it for myself. Finally, one of them, I don’t remember who, said: “Can I try it?” And a new favorite lunch dish was born!
To date, my daughter loves it, and makes it all the time. And is probably going to make fun of me for posting this recipe, as it’s really so simple that a kid could make it.

Tips:
1. This salad is vibrant with the red, juicy tomatoes – try not to forego it.
2. As for other vegetables, you will only be limited by your imagination, but try to keep the flavors a bit subtle and not overpower it.
3. If you’re using olives, use just a little.
4. Good quality extra virgin olive oil is a must. Fruitier the better.
5. Freshly ground pepper is also important.
6. Basil! Love basil in this! Please do use!