Go Back
Pasta salad has emerged as a beloved staple for lunchboxes, offering a delightful fusion of flavors, textures, and colors. Among the myriad of pasta salad options, the Rainbow Lunchbox Pasta Salad stands out as a vibrant, nutritious choice that appeals to both children and adults alike. This dish not only captivates the eye with its stunning array of ingredients but also packs a punch in terms of nutritional value and taste.

Back-to-School Lunchbox Pasta Salad

Discover the joy of the Rainbow Lunchbox Pasta Salad, a colorful and nutritious meal perfect for any lunchbox! This easy-to-make dish blends vibrant rotini pasta with fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers, creating an eye-catching presentation that kids and adults will love. Packed with essential nutrients, this pasta salad is not only delicious but also versatile to suit different dietary needs. Meal prep friendly, it brings excitement to healthy eating!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

3 cups rotini pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

1 bell pepper (any color), diced

1 cup shredded carrots

1 cup sweet corn (canned or frozen)

1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup black olives, sliced

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

    Prepare the Veggies: While the pasta is cooking, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, carrots, red onion, and olives. If you are using frozen corn, cook it according to package instructions and let it cool.

      Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.

        Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, sweet corn, parsley, and feta cheese (if using).

          Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the pasta and vegetables, then toss everything together gently until all ingredients are well-coated.

            Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. This salad is perfect for packing in lunchboxes!

              Enjoy: Serve chilled or at room temperature. This pasta salad can be enjoyed for several days stored in the refrigerator.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 50 minutes | 6 servings