Back-to-School Pasta Salad

As the back-to-school season approaches, parents everywhere find themselves navigating the hectic schedules that come with preparing their children for a new year of learning. With early mornings, packed lunches, and after-school activities, the need for quick, nutritious meals becomes paramount. Enter the Back-to-School Pasta Salad: a delightful dish that is not only simple to prepare but also packed with the essential nutrients needed to fuel your child’s academic success. This pasta salad is a perfect blend of flavors, colors, and textures, making it an ideal option for busy families looking to maintain healthy eating habits during the school year.

As the school year kicks off, simplify mealtime with this vibrant Back-to-School Pasta Salad. Packed with nutritious ingredients like tri-color fusilli, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers, this dish not only fuels your kids for academic success but is also customizable to suit picky eaters. Perfect for meal prep, it can be made ahead, ensuring quick, healthy meals during busy weeks. Enjoy a flavorful, colorful meal that your family will love!

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Ingredients

8 oz tri-color fusilli pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

1/2 cup bell pepper, diced (any color)

1/2 cup black olives, sliced

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini)

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the tri-color fusilli according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool the pasta quickly. Set aside.

Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooling, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and parsley. Pat the mozzarella balls dry if they’re packed in liquid.

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, black olives, red onion, mozzarella balls, and parsley.

Dress the Salad: Drizzle the Italian dressing over the pasta salad, and toss everything together gently until well-coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Chill and Serve: Cover the salad bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6