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Fresh Kid-Approved Memorial Day Pasta Salad Recipe with Hidden Veggies

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A colorful, veggie-packed pasta salad that kids love, perfect for Memorial Day gatherings. This recipe hides nutritious vegetables in a creamy, tangy dressing, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) rotini or spiral pasta (whole wheat or gluten-free if preferred)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
  • 1 cup finely shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup finely diced cucumber
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped spinach or kale
  • 1/4 cup finely grated zucchini
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise (Duke’s or Hellmann’s recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225 g) of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Shake off excess water and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  3. While pasta cooks, finely chop the cherry tomatoes, carrots, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, spinach, and zucchini into small, uniform pieces.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to balance tangy and sweet flavors.
  5. Add all the chopped veggies and shredded cheese (if using) to the bowl with pasta. Pour the dressing over and toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly. Add a splash of water or extra vinegar if needed to loosen the dressing.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld and soften the veggies slightly before serving.

Notes

Finely chopping the veggies is key to hiding them from picky eaters. Rinsing pasta under cold water stops cooking and prevents clumping. Use a gentle folding motion when mixing to avoid breaking the pasta. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor. Variations include gluten-free pasta, dairy-free cheese, and adding protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, Memorial Day, kid-friendly, hidden veggies, healthy pasta salad, summer salad, easy pasta salad

Find it online: https://emmastirs.com/fresh-kid-approved-memorial-day-pasta-salad-recipe-with-hidden-veggies/