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Easy High-Protein Mason Jar Pasta Salad Recipe for Kids Lunch Ideas

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A kid-friendly, high-protein mason jar pasta salad that stays fresh and flavorful until lunchtime, perfect for school lunches and busy mornings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (about 140g or 5 oz) small pasta shapes like rotini or shells, cooked al dente
  • 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced (leftover rotisserie chicken works great) or canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained for vegetarian option
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cubed cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup diced cucumber
  • ½ cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • ¼ cup shredded carrots
  • ⅓ cup Italian dressing or your kid’s favorite vinaigrette
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups (140g or 5 oz) of rotini or small pasta shapes and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Drain well.
  2. Dice 1 cup cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. If using canned chickpeas, rinse and drain thoroughly.
  3. Dice ½ cup cucumber, halve ½ cup cherry tomatoes, and shred ¼ cup carrots. Keep the pieces small for easy eating.
  4. Start by adding 2-3 tablespoons of dressing to the bottom of each mason jar. This keeps the dressing separate from pasta to prevent sogginess.
  5. Spoon in ¼ cup diced chicken or chickpeas directly on top of the dressing.
  6. Add 2 tablespoons shredded mozzarella or cubed cheddar cheese.
  7. Layer the cucumber, tomatoes, and carrots evenly to keep the salad colorful and crisp.
  8. Add ½ cup cooked pasta on top. This layering keeps pasta away from the dressing until mixed.
  9. Screw on the lid tightly and refrigerate until ready to eat.
  10. When it’s lunchtime, shake the jar well to mix dressing throughout the salad or pour it into a bowl to toss if preferred.

Notes

Always start with the dressing at the bottom to prevent sogginess. Cook pasta al dente and rinse under cold water to keep texture. Use fresh crunchy veggies to maintain crispness. Press gently on pasta layer to avoid air pockets. Prep multiple jars ahead for busy weeks. Swap proteins and dressings to suit dietary needs and preferences.

Nutrition

Keywords: mason jar pasta salad, high protein pasta salad, kids lunch ideas, easy pasta salad, healthy lunch, school lunch recipe, portable salad

Find it online: https://vexifood.com/easy-high-protein-mason-jar-pasta-salad-recipe-for-kids-lunch-ideas/