Kid-Friendly Pasta Salad
This kid-friendly pasta salad is a fun and easy-to-make recipe that is perfect for school lunches or quick dinners. It's made with fun-shaped pasta, turkey bacon, cheese, and a creamy dressing.
Servings 8 people
Calories 405kcal
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Medium skillet
- Large salad bowl
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces bowtie or rotelle pasta
Proteins
- 8 slices turkey bacon
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup grape tomatoes
- 3 green onions
Cheese
- 8 ounces mild cheddar cheese
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 4 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain immediately and rinse under cold running water until the pasta is completely cooled. Drain thoroughly to ensure the dressing adheres properly.
- While the pasta cooks, place the chopped turkey bacon in a medium skillet over medium heat. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crisp and golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, whole milk, white vinegar, salt, black pepper, and sugar until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled pasta, crisped turkey bacon, halved grape tomatoes, sliced green onions, and cubed cheddar cheese.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently with large spoons until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Fold in the fresh basil chiffonade just before serving to preserve its color and aroma.
- For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. Toss once more before plating.
Notes
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 405 kcal | Total Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 46mg | Sodium: 565mg | Total Carbohydrates: 33g | Dietary Fiber: 1g | Sugars: 3g | Protein: 15g
Tip: Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. You can also prepare it a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.