The nice thing about sending your child to school with a pasta salad is that you can have the vegetables and main dish in one. I’ll share a basic pasta salad recipe here, but it can be easily changed to suit what’s available to you at the time.

Basic Pasta Salad

1 package pasta, prepared according to package directions
3/4 cup Italian salad dressing
1 cup broccoli florets, lightly steamed
1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes
1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
1/4 cup sliced black or green olives
1/4 to 1/2 cup preferred cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, feta, etc.)

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Stir to combine and coat with the salad dressing.

You can switch out most of the ingredients as you like. Go for favorite vegetables when you can, and be sure you don’t overcook them. Nuts may work for some extra protein.

This recipe makes a good number of servings, so can be used for several lunches or as a part of dinner with leftovers for lunches.

Recipe Books You May Enjoy

Healthy Eating for Kids
Lunch Boxes and Snacks
The Just Bento Cookbook: Everyday Lunches to Go