Back-to-School Pasta Jar Salad -

As summer draws to a close and the school year begins, many parents find themselves navigating the challenges of packing nutritious lunches for their kids. The importance of healthy eating for children cannot be overstated, particularly during the busy school days filled with learning, activities, and socializing. A well-balanced diet contributes not only to a child's physical health but also supports their cognitive functions and energy levels. However, with hectic mornings and after-school commitments, finding easy yet nutritious meal options can be a daunting task. This is where the Fun & Fresh Back-to-School Pasta Jar Salad comes into play—a vibrant, delicious, and convenient meal that checks all the boxes.

Back-to-School Pasta Jar Salad

As the school year begins, make lunchtime fun and healthy with a vibrant Pasta Jar Salad. This easy-to-make, nutritious meal is customizable, allowing kids to enjoy their favorite ingredients while providing essential vitamins and minerals. Packed with whole grain rotini, fresh vegetables, protein, and a delicious dressing, this salad keeps well in the fridge for up to five days. Say goodbye to soggy lunches and hello to creative, healthy eating!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups whole grain rotini pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

1/2 cup bell pepper, diced (choose your favorite color)

1/2 cup black olives, sliced

1 cup baby spinach or arugula

1/2 cup mozzarella balls or feta cheese, cubed

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon honey (optional for sweetness)

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.

- Add the whole grain rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.

- Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold running water to halt the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside to allow the pasta to drain fully.

Prepare the Dressing:

- In a small mixing bowl, combine the red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, and honey (if you're using it).

- Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is well blended and smooth.

- Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting the seasoning to your liking.

Layer the Salad:

- In a large mason jar or a portable salad container, start layering the ingredients to ensure the best distribution of flavors:

- Begin with the prepared dressing at the bottom; this will help prevent the salad from getting soggy.

- Follow with the cooked rotini pasta, allowing it to absorb some of the dressing flavors.

- Next, layer in the diced cucumber, followed by the diced bell pepper and sliced black olives.

- Add the halved cherry tomatoes on top, followed by the mozzarella balls or cubed feta cheese.

- Finally, crown your salad with a generous handful of baby spinach or arugula, and sprinkle the chopped basil for a fresh touch.

Seal and Store:

- Tightly secure the lid on the mason jar or cover the salad container well.

- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it an excellent make-ahead meal for busy school days.

Serve:

- When you're ready to enjoy your salad, give the jar a good shake to mix all the delicious ingredients together.

- You can drizzle some extra dressing if desired for added flavor.

- Serve chilled and savor the vibrant, refreshing taste of your back-to-school pasta salad!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6

- Presentation Tips: Serve directly from the jar for a fun, on-the-go meal, or pour the salad into bowls and garnish with additional fresh basil and a light sprinkle of salt for a beautiful touch. Enjoy!