Veggie Pasta Salad
Lunch

Veggie Pasta Salad

Colorful cold pasta salad with soft vegetables - perfect for warm days and picnics

Choking safety

Slice grapes and cherry tomatoes lengthways, then into small pieces. Mash berries for younger ages.

Allergen info

Contains dairy (or alternatives if swapped).

Allergen info

Contains gluten unless using GF alternatives.

Storage

Cool quickly. Refrigerate within 2 hours. Reheat until steaming hot. Defrost in the fridge/microwave and eat within 24 hours of defrosting.

Prep: 12mCook: 15mServes: 6 toddler portions18-24m

Mess Level

💦💦💦💧💧

Moderate Mess

Ingredients
Portion ControlAdjust the portion size to match your toddler's appetite, offering small servings and allowing them to ask for more if still hungry.
Original Recipe
As written in recipe
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  • 2 cups small pasta shapes (bow ties, shells, or rotini)
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
  • 1/2 cup cucumber, diced small
  • 1/4 cup corn kernels (cooked)
  • 1/4 cup peas (cooked and cooled)
  • 1/4 cup mild cheddar cheese, cubed small
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp fresh herbs (basil or parsley), chopped
Frequently Asked Questions
Cost Breakdown
Pasta shapes£0.40
Cherry tomatoes£0.60
Cucumber£0.30
Corn£0.25
Peas£0.20
Cheddar cheese£0.50
Olive oil£0.10
Lemon£0.15
Mayonnaise£0.10
Fresh herbs£0.15
Total Cost:£2.75
Nutrition Per Serving

125

Calories

5g

Protein

18g

Carbs

4g

Fat

2g

Fiber

25% DV

Vitamin C

Safety Notes
  • Ensure all vegetables are cut to age-appropriate sizes
  • Check that cheese cubes are small enough for your toddler
  • Cherry tomatoes should be quartered to prevent choking
  • Always supervise during eating
Chef's Tips
  • Cook pasta until very tender for easier toddler eating
  • Rinse pasta thoroughly with cold water to stop cooking
  • Make vegetables small but not so tiny they become slippery
  • This tastes better after chilling - flavors meld together
  • Make a big batch for several meals throughout the week
For Picky Eaters

Simple Version

Start with just pasta, cheese, and one familiar vegetable

Warm Option

Serve slightly warm if your toddler prefers warm foods

Different Veggies

Use vegetables your child already enjoys eating

Deconstructed

Serve components separately for very picky eaters

Categories
Cold meal optionColorful vegetablesMake-ahead friendlyPicnic perfectFinger foodVitamin richSummer mealCustomizable