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Easy 5-Ingredient Caprese Pasta Salad Perfect for Kids Lunchbox Recipes

Caprese Pasta Salad - featured image
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A simple, quick, and kid-friendly Caprese pasta salad featuring fresh cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, basil, and rotini pasta tossed in olive oil. Perfect for lunchboxes and ready in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) rotini or small pasta shapes
  • 2 cups (300 grams) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup (150 grams) mini mozzarella balls, drained
  • ½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar or glaze
  • Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down quickly.
  3. While pasta cooks, halve 2 cups (300 grams) of cherry tomatoes and tear or chop ½ cup of fresh basil leaves. Drain 1 cup (150 grams) of mini mozzarella balls thoroughly.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the top.
  5. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. For a subtle tang, add 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar or glaze if desired.
  6. Use salad tongs or a large spoon and fork to toss everything together gently, so the mozzarella balls don’t squish and the basil stays fresh.
  7. Refrigerate the salad for at least 20 minutes before packing it into lunchboxes to allow flavors to marry.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta; al dente texture is key to avoid mushiness. Rinse pasta with cold water immediately after draining to stop cooking and keep salad crisp. Drain mozzarella balls well to prevent sogginess. Add basil last and mix gently to keep leaves fresh and mozzarella intact. For best freshness, keep dressing separate and toss just before serving if prepping ahead.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese pasta salad, kids lunchbox recipe, easy pasta salad, 5-ingredient salad, kid-friendly lunch, quick pasta salad, mozzarella pasta salad

Find it online: https://lirafood.com/easy-5-ingredient-caprese-pasta-salad-perfect-for-kids-lunchbox-recipes/