If you have yet to unleash this culinary treat on your kiddos, then you’re in luck, because kids go absolutely crazy for it!
As if pasta couldn’t get any better, this dish takes the multi-colored pasta and makes it a more complete and hearty meal with the addition of veggies. This tri-color pasta salad recipe is very adaptable, so don’t be afraid to mix it up with whatever you’ve got in your pantry or in your refrigerator. Serve with French bread and enjoy either hot or cold.
Tri-Color Pasta Salad Recipe Ingredients:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small red or yellow onion, finely chopped
1/2 tsp dried herbs (basil, marjoram, oregano, thyme, plus a squeeze of lemon juice)
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1-2 c soft vegetables (sliced bell peppers, corn, chopped and salted eggplant, sliced mushrooms, peas, chopped spinach)
1/4 tsp salt
14.5-ounce box of tricolor pasta
1-2 c cut-up hard vegetables (carrots, celery, zucchini, broccoli, or cauliflower)
2 tbsp sour cream
1/2 c grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
Preparation Method:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 3 minutes.
2. Stir in the dried herbs and the garlic and cook for about a minute, and then stir in the soft vegetables and 1/2 tsp salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 4 minutes, stirring often. Turn off the heat and set aside.
3. Boil a pot of water, and cook pasta for 3 minutes. Add the hard vegetables and continue to cook until the pasta is al dente. Reserve 1/2 c of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and vegetables and return them to the pot.
4. Stir the sour cream and 1/2 tsp salt into the pasta, then add 1/2 c of the Parmesan, the basil, and 1/4 c of the pasta water.
5. Stir to combine, add the cooked soft vegetables or leafy greens, and add more pasta water if needed. Serve with more Parmesan on the side.
With these ideas, there’s no need to cook or worry about what to bring to that BBQ
Who wants to spend a hot summer day cooking in the kitchen? Not us! With these ideas, there’s no need to cook or worry about what to make for dinner or bring to the family gathering. From caprese to Greek-inspired, bookmark these pasta salad recipes for all those hot summer nights ahead.
Tri-Color Pasta Salad
iStock
This go-to pasta salad recipe is as easy as they come. You can use cheese, olives, cucumber or any other assortment of veggies. You can even swap regular pasta for tortellini. Get the recipe here.
What do you get when you combine pasta and Caesar salad? This dish from Life Made Simple! It’s loaded with all the classic flavors you expect—crisp romaine, pasta, chicken, cherry tomatoes and lots of cheese! For the recipe, click here.
Caprese is a great way to entice little ones to eat fresh fruits and veggies! Tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and olive oil come together with the pasta shape of your choice in this recipe from Pip & Debby. Make as a tasty side dish or a meal, you can't go wrong with this perfect pasta.
Summer Orzo Pasta Salad
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Oh, my, orzo! Here's why this pasta salad is a thing of beauty: it only has a few ingredients, the flavors are fresh and summery, and it's delicious cold or at room temp. Add it as a barbecue side or serve it up as the main course! Get the recipe here.
Homemade lemon basil vinaigrette and flavorful pasta come together in this recipe from Gimme Some Oven. Fresh ingredients like artichoke hearts, asparagus and cheese round out this perfect picnic side dish that may also just convince a picky eater to eat, too!
Bacon, lettuce and tomato plus pasta? We are SO in! This 15-minute BLT pasta salad recipe from Busy Budgeter means your dinner is ready in a flash. Top with your homemade salad dressing and enjoy not sweating it out in the kitchen.
Perfect for a potluck or meal prep, Plain Chicken's Greek pasta salad recipe is packed with flavor. Fresh ingredients like tomato, basil, and lemon juice make this dinner refreshing and will transport you straight to Greece!
Do your little ones love pizza? Then this dish from Dear Crissy is sure to be an instant hit! It's got the all-important pepperoni, and you can customize it with additional "toppings" that usually grace your 'za.
This idea from The Creative Bite has all the flavors of your fave tailgating dish and is super easy to whip up. It also has some sneaky veggies, and you can include crumbled bleu cheese on the side!
Tortellini is a kid favorite, so why not take a cue from Peas and Crayons and turn it into a delish cold salad? Toss with some homemade dressing and sneak in some healthy veggies and you're all set!
Pass the pesto! This nut-free sauce makes any pasta salad delicious and can be paired with all the additional ingredients you want. (Veggies? Cheese? Both?) It's a cinch to make—get the recipe here.
Bring on the broccoli with this dish from Boulder Locavore! Not only is it a great way to eat your green veggies, but it also skips the usual pasta salad mayo for a zesty dressing.
Looking for the most flavorful pasta salad around? Dive into this dish from Chelsea's Messy Apron, which has tons of veggies, an adaptable chili-lime dressing, and tons of summer corn! Trust us, you'll want seconds.
Amp up an average summer barbecue! This pasta salad recipe from I Wash You Dry sports crisp veggies and a creamy, flavorful sauce. Bonus: It calls for ramen noodles and rotisserie chicken—no muss, no fuss!
There's no reason vegans can't get in on the summer pasta salad fun! The Minimalist Baker has you covered with a dish that veers away from dairy and eggs.
Kiddos love grapes? Then it's time to bust out this great grape pasta salad recipe from Cooking Classy. It's got a slightly sweet dressing and makes for a refreshing addition to a summer picnic.
Need a pasta salad PDQ? This simple dish takes almost no time to make. Classic flavors, veggie-ful, and totally delish, it'll be your new go-to BBQ side dish. Get the recipe here.
Chances are you have spaghetti in the pantry—and this idea from Dinner at the Zoo is the perfect use for it! It's also filled with crunchy vegetables for an extra healthy kick.
Prepping for a picnic? Don't forget this gluten-free dish from Boulder Locavore! It's just like the old-school pasta salad that you had when you were a kid and even sports healthy twists like grated carrot.
This deli-inspired salad from The View from Great Island is a great way to please the meat lovers in your family. You can also customize it with whatever meats you have in the fridge for an extra easy summer meal.
Take advantage of the seasonal fresh tomatoes and basil with this easy recipe from Leah’s Thoughts that encourages you to toss any ingredients you have in the fridge. We suggest adding veggies or chicken to this tomato basil pasta recipe to make it a little heartier.
Ingredients for Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe:
Olive oil, roughly 1/4 cup
Fresh tomatoes, roughly 2 cups, chopped
Fresh basil, roughly 1/2 cup, chopped
Fresh garlic, roughly 2 tablespoons, chopped
Salt and pepper
Cheese (Parmesan or fresh mozzarella if you’ve got it)
Pasta (whatever you want, though Penne works well)
Method:
1. Cook your choice of pasta according to the directions on the package and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil (roughly 1/4 a cup) in a large pan over medium heat.
3. Add the chopped tomatoes, simmer for a few minutes, then add the garlic, salt and pepper.
4. Let the sauce simmer until tasty (try it). Then add the fresh basil, and pasta and top with your choice of cheese.
Leah Singer is a freelance writer and a practicing speechwriter. She shares many family-friendly recipes, as well as stories of motherhood, craft ideas, writing, and other such topics at Leah’s Thoughts. Read more about Leah at: leahsthoughts.com.
If you think that Pasta Carbonara is a dish you can only have in restaurants, you’ll be shocked to see how simple making it really is. Here to break down the steps for any home cook are Gayle Pirie and John Clark, Chefs and Co-owners of Foreign Cinema in San Francisco. Read on for the full recipe.
Ingredients for Pasta Carbonara:
1 pound (or just under) long noodles (spaghettini, fettucini, or linguine)
6 thick slices of smoky bacon
2 Tablespoons pure olive oil
4 eggs
Salt to taste
A chunk of Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Method:
1. Bring lightly salted water to a boil in a large pot. Cook the noodles until tender but firm.
2. While the noodles cook, dice the bacon and cook it in the olive oil until just lightly crisped in a medium sauté pan. Pour off the excess fat, reserving 4 tablespoons in the pan.
3. In a bowl, beat the eggs and season with a little salt.
4. Drain the noodles, saving about 2 tablespoons of water for later. If the pan has cooled down, warm it up again right before adding the noodles.
5. Add the noodles to the warm bacon in the pan; thoroughly toss with the oil and bacon, and season with salt. Work fast and pour the beaten eggs onto the warm noodles and mix well to coat the noodles.
6. Add the reserved pasta water if the noodles look dry. The heat of the noodles and the pan will thicken and set the eggs. If there is not enough heat, turn the burner on very low, just to warm the noodles, then turn it off. Too much heat can scramble the eggs.
7. Once the noodles, egg, and bacon are well mixed, add freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and stir. Freshly ground black pepper is an essential addition. Serve in warm pasta bowls.
Partners Gayle Pirie and John Clark are two highly original talents who have been deeply involved in the competitive and innovative ferment of the San Francisco restaurant scene for over two decades. Today, Pirie and Clark are the chef talent, and owners behind the very popular and exciting dining destination- Foreign Cinema. In addition to Foreign Cinema they have published two cookbooks, Country Egg, City Egg in 2000 and Bride and Groom in 2006.
The step that takes the longest in this five-step recipe? Boiling the water!
Your busy weeknight calls for a lightning-fast dinner. Next time you need to make dinner in a pinch, check out this Pesto Chicken Pasta recipe from Regina of the food blog, Leelalicious. It takes only 20 minutes to make and offers a nice balance of carbs, protein, and greens (from the pesto).
Yields 2-3 servings
Ingredients for Pesto Chicken Pasta:
8 ounces dry pasta* (I used fusilli)
1 chicken breast, cut into thin strips
salt + pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
¼ cup pesto
chopped almonds and feta crumbles for garnish
Notes from the Chef: *use gluten-free, whole wheat, or low-glycemic pasta according to needs and preferences
Method:
1. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add dry pasta, and cook until al dente.
2. Cut chicken breast into small strips. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet, add chicken strips and sear until fully cooked.
4. Add ¼ cup of the pasta water to the skillet with the chicken. Drain pasta, then add to chicken together with pesto and stir everything until fully combined.
5. Serve hot and garnish with chopped almonds and feta crumbles.
For more delicious meal ideas your family will love hop on over to Leelalicious. And, don’t forget to follow her on Facebook by clicking here.
We don’t know your kid, but if yours is anything like ours, they can sniff out a piece of kale hiding in a quesadilla faster than you can pop a straw in a juice box. In other words, getting them to eat healthy stuff isn’t always so easy. But here’s our tip. Don’t be sneaky about it. Instead, be creative and work with what you’ve got. Check out our tried-and-true ways to get your kids to eat healthier—without all of the disguises—because Mama didn’t raise no fool.
Chicken Nuggets
Is there anything that’s been reinvented more than the chicken nugget? We don’t think so. From alphabet shapes to dinosaurs, spicy to sweet, chicken nuggets come in every shape and size. The bad news? They’re often packed with preservatives and sodium. Instead of buying them in bulk, give this panko chicken recipe a go—it’s such an easy healthy food swap. Easy to make in batches, the panko holds its crunch and you can even crisp it up in an air fryer in no time, if you’re eating it throughout the week.
Macaroni & Cheese
Doesn’t every kid love mac & cheese? Who can blame them? And secretly, who doesn’t take a bite out of their leftovers before loading dishwasher? For a healthier riff on mac & cheese, try making a pot of green mac and cheese with spinach, peas and broccoli. The bright color and cheesy, creamy texture rings all the right bells.
Buttered Noodles
What is it about buttered noodles that kids love so much? Oh. Right. There’s butter, and then there are noodles. So it’s pretty perfect on the palate but falls short in nutritive strength. So, we have two options here. Serve it with protein-enriched or whole-grain pasta, or just serve it less frequently (but don’t mess with a masterpiece). We all need a reason to live, right?
Grilled Cheese
Dang it. We like these, too. But for the sake of being “good parents,” let’s explore options with the Grand Dame of Kid Food: The Grilled Cheese. First, switch around your cooking method. Instead of bathing it in a skillet of butter, batch bake them on a sheet with a light mist of olive oil on the pan. Another option is to pack some nutrition into your bread choice. Pass on the white bread and see how sprouted grains pleases your kids, instead. Finally, you can pack it full of spinach, ham, or sliced tomato if you don’t have a purist waiting for lunch to be served. How’s that for healthy food swaps?
Quesadilla
Lentils are a great source of protein, which helps keep you full for longer. Since the cooked lentils are pureed and mixed with salsa, they taste like refried beans, and picky eaters will be none the wiser. Check out our recipe for Grilled Lentil Quesadillas for a healthier alternative to the classic.
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Pizza
Anything you pick up or have delivered is going to come with a hefty health bill, when you add up all the salt (and frequently, sugar) found in pizza. But it’s so good. And so easy. Nonetheless, pizza made at home is not only fun, but also free from the hidden health hazards you’ll find in the delivery box. A prime reason to implement a healthy food swap here. Try making personal pizzas on a pita bread base, and let them choose toppings from an assortment of veggies and proteins. You can broil it for a quick fix, or try grilling it for another exciting twist.
Tacos
We take Taco Tuesday seriously, except sometimes it falls on a Wednesday or Thursday. But weekly tacos are a thing, so keeping the ingredients exciting is key to keeping the kiddos coming back for more. Instead of ground beef, cheese, lettuce and sour cream, try a vegetarian taco night with sauteed beans and mushrooms. home made guac (or hefty avocado slices), diced tomatoes and salsa. Or, go rogue with cheeseburger tacos. Brown turkey and diced onions for the filler, and let them top it with shredded lettuce, tomato, ketchup, mustard and cheese. Basically anything can be adapted to taco form, and we’re here for it. We bet your kids will be, too.
Spaghetti
Amp up your spaghetti game by sautéing shredded carrots and zucchini with garlic before dumping your favorite jar of pre-made sauce into the pan to simmer. For meat-lovers, brown some turkey sausage and add a dash of fennel to it to make it seem like Italian sausage. Noodles get an upgrade when you choose whole grain pasta or higher protein pasta, instead of the regular noodles. There are a million ways to add nutrition into spaghetti without sacrificing flavor, but be sure to check the back of your sauce jar—some brands are much worse than others about adding unneeded sugar to their sauce.
Whether your kids have nut allergies, or your school is nut-free, this easy lunchtime nut-free basil pesto pasta dish is a winner. Made with sunflower seeds instead of pine nuts, it’s a delicious and allergy-friendly addition to the lunch menu.
1 cup packed fresh basil leaves
1/3 cup hulled roasted sunflower seeds
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more as needed
Kosher salt
1 pound fresh pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
Parmesan cheese
Method:
1. Place the basil, sunflower seeds, cheese, and garlic in the bowl of a food processor. Process until the ingredients are well chopped, about 2 minutes.
2. Add the oil and process for another minute, or until smooth. Add salt to taste. For a smoother texture, add a little extra olive oil.
3. Prepare the pasta according to the package directions. Drain, reserve some of the pasta water, and set aside.
4. Add the cooked pasta back to the empty pot and toss with the pesto and cherry tomatoes. Add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water.
5. Serve topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Ah, the end of the school year. That time of year where teachers can kick back and relax knowing they made it through another year of shaping your kids’ future, grading papers, and at least one student with the sniffles at any given moment. We know they don’t do it for the gifts, but that doesn’t mean they don’t fully deserve a token (or 10) of our appreciation! But even if they’ve only been teaching for a short time, there’s a really good chance they’ve already amassed a major “World’s Best Teacher” coffee mug and apple-shaped paperweight collection, so we’re definitely on the hunt for fun, memorable, unique, and fully wish-list-approved cool teacher gifts for our favorite educators.
Whether it’s a classroom teacher, a coach, or a music instructor, finding the perfect gift can be a little tricky. We’re sort of pros at gift-giving, so we’ve done the research for you and rounded up some of the absolute best teacher gifts!
E-Mail to the Administration Team
Canva
This one is a must. Take a few minutes to email your school's admin team detailing all the ways your favorite teacher(s) is exceptional. In fact, we encourage you to do this alone or in addition to one of the great gifts below! Putting your appreciation in writing for the decision-makers to read really can't be topped. E-Mail to the Administration Team—Completely Free!
These absolutely gorgeous votives from Johnny Was (who else?) are perfect for their home or their desk. Scents include the sandalwood and vanilla scent of Pacific Amber, the ginger flower and iris blossom of Bohemian Bloom, and the bright lemon and red currant of Coastal Poppy. Johnny Was Home Set of 3 Votive Candles ($118.00)—Buy Here!
Tees2UrDoor actually has some seriously cute teacher tees (for Pi Day, 100 Days, holidays...), but we think this tee really shows how much your teacher rocks! ABCD Tee ($13.95)—Buy Now!
They're already writing all day; make it fun with these beautiful pens from Johnny Was. Plus, the bright colors make it much harder to lose (or have a student accidentally keep it!). Johnny Was Kaleida Pen Set ($28.00)—Buy Here!
Collecting the fifty most iconic illustrations from the book Women in Science, this box of 100 postcards is the perfect gift for fans of Rachel Ignotofsky’s work, budding scientists, and anyone who wishes to champion the great contribution women have made to all branches of science. Women in Science: 100 Postcards ($20.00)—Buy Now!
We definitely love teacher supplies that are helpful to their everyday, but there's something special about something that makes them feel, well, special. This stunning pendant from one of our favorite jewelers, Angara, is the perfect way to say, "Thank you for helping our kiddos sparkle". Cheesy? Maybe. But true, too! Angara Bezel-Set Round Aquamarine Solitaire Pendant ($159.00+)—Buy Now!
Elina Planter
Urban Outfitters
This planter is playful and bright, and with 3 different prints to choose from, you're sure to find one that fits their style! Elina Planter ($22.00)—Buy Now!
This is the gift that keeps on giving for both teachers and students! Keeping classrooms fresh and filtered is really important (where do you think your kiddos get all those germs they bring home?). Who else would you trust but Clorox when it comes to clean, too? Clorox Air Purifier ($99.00)—Buy Now!
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
Look no further than TJ’s for all the items you need for the perfect snack board.
If you are hosting guests, you can never go wrong with a charcuterie board. Stocked with a variety of crackers, cheese, meat, fruit, and nuts, there is something for everyone. The next time you find yourself jonesing for a plethora of snacks or just need to plan the perfect grazing board, head to Trader Joe’s for some of the tastiest items for a charcuterie board.
It goes without saying that Trader Joe’s is the king of cheese, so it was actually difficult to narrow down a pick for a charcuterie board. We went with the Bigonda and Herbs because of its creamy texture and herby flavor that spreads on crackers like butter. At the end of the day, you can afford to grab a few unique cheeses, like Unexpected Cheddar, White Stilton with Apricots, Manchego, and Triple Brie to round out your board.
Charcuterie boards are built not just on flavor, but unique textures too. That’s why these Greek Chickpeas with Parsley and Cumin are perfect. While they do require a bit of prep work, the pre-marinated snack just needs 20 minutes to crisp up before they join your arrangement and pack a pop of flavor.
As much as we love a crispy cracker, the last thing you want to do is fill up on carbs when grazing a charcuterie board. These Super Seedy Cheese Snack Bites are made with puffed quinoa so they aren’t super dense, but still bring a ton of flavor. Even better, they support a hefty hunk of cheese and spread (because broken cracker bits stuck in your dips are the worst).
Marinated Olive Duo with Lemon & Herbs
Balance your board with a smidge of salty olives, like this duo made up of Kalamata and Chalkidiki varieties. Not only do you get your dose of sodium that perfectly pairs with the other sweet sides, but the unique lemon and herbs put a twist on regular ole olives. Just note: these contain pits!
Move over fig jam, this fig butter is the new charcuterie hotness. Slice up some apples or bread before smearing a healthy serving of this jam to add that sweet flavor. The best part is this large jar will last way longer than just a quick charcuterie board. Add to burgers too!
In between chunks of cheese, one needs some crunch in a charcuterie board. We love these Guara Almonds because of their slightly sweet flavor, thanks to being roasted and mixed with extra virgin olive oil and sea salt.
Fig & Olive Crisps
Trader Joe’s
The beauty of these crackers is that they taste like toast, but don’t fill you up. They are made with flax, sesame, and sunflower seeds, dried Mission figs, and brined Kalamata olives. Don’t be afraid to slater with fig butter and top with multiple pieces of cheese.
Chianti Red Wine Artisan Salami
Tinybeans
Savory salami almost always needs to make an appearance on a charcuterie board, and this artisanal version adds a lot of flavor. The softer-than-usual salted meat is both salty and smoky, with a light wine flavor that isn’t overpowering.
Whole Grain Mustard
Tinybeans
Whole Grain Dijon Mustard really takes your charcuterie board up a level. It provides a unique texture and flavor to meats and crackers and we like that it’s just a plain unique addition to a grazing platter.
Dark Chocolate Covered Honey Grahams with Sea Salta
It’s not uncommon to see a hunk of honeycomb on a charcuterie board, but let’s be honest—it’s pretty messy. You can still get that sweet, honey experience with these bite-sized honey grahams that are covered in dark chocolate and sea salt. It’s the perfect way to round out your board and provide everything from salty to sweet.
Getting kids to eat their veggies may be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. The trick, according to recipe creator Leah Singer of Leah’s Thoughts is simple: add a veggie puree to your dish. This recipe for jambalaya also swaps the traditional rice for pasta, making it extra hearty.
Ingredients for Pasta Jambalaya Recipe:
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped
1 kielbasa sausage, sliced
2 cups of shrimp (we use frozen)
1 chopped onion
1 – 2 teaspoons of garlic
2 cans diced tomatoes (undrained)
Pinch of chili flakes
Cajon/Creole seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 pound penne pasta (or whatever you have around)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup carrot, spinach, or other veggie puree (optional)
Method
1. Saute the kielbasa with olive oil in a large Dutch oven. Remove sausage from the pan and replace with chicken. Do not empty the oil–it gives the chicken great flavor. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet.
2. Add a bit more olive oil and add onion and garlic. Saute until cooked through. (If you’re a fan of peppers, you could add chunks of peppers at this point.) Add cans of diced tomatoes, spices, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Add back into the pot the chicken and sausage. If you’re adding a hidden veggie, do it now!
3. Meanwhile, cook the pasta until al dente. Drain, and add to the meat and tomato mixture. Taste of seasonings. At this point, add the frozen shrimp and let them steam cook for a few minutes. Stir and add the cream.
Leah Singer is a freelance writer and editor. She shares many family-friendly recipes, as well as stories of motherhood, craft ideas, writing, and other such topics at Leah’s Thoughts.
