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Easy Bento Box Pasta Salad with Mini Mozzarella Balls Perfect for Kids Lunches

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A quick and easy pasta salad featuring bite-sized pasta, mini mozzarella balls, and fresh veggies, perfect for kids’ lunches and busy mornings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) small pasta shapes like mini shells or elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup (150 grams) mini mozzarella balls, fresh and soft
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup cucumber, diced
  • ½ cup bell pepper, finely chopped (red, yellow, or orange)
  • A handful fresh basil, torn
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a few black olives

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of mini shell or elbow macaroni pasta. Cook according to package instructions, usually 7-9 minutes, until al dente but tender. Drain in a colander and rinse briefly with cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Set aside to drain completely.
  2. While pasta cooks, halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, dice ½ cup cucumber, and finely chop ½ cup bell pepper. Tear a handful of fresh basil leaves into small pieces.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, prepared veggies, and 1 cup of mini mozzarella balls (drained). Pour the dressing over and gently toss everything together until evenly coated. Be careful not to squish the mozzarella balls.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan or add sliced black olives. Let rest for 10-15 minutes at room temperature for flavors to meld, or pack directly into bento boxes.

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water immediately after draining to prevent clumping and cool it quickly. Pat mini mozzarella balls dry to avoid watering down the salad. Use fresh basil for best flavor. Toss salad gently to preserve mozzarella shape. Store dressing separately if preparing ahead and add just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, kids lunch, mozzarella balls, easy recipe, bento box, quick lunch, healthy kids meal

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/easy-bento-box-pasta-salad-with-mini-mozzarella-balls-perfect-for-kids-lunches/