LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — With students heading back to school, parents are faced with packing easy, nutritious lunches that their children will actually eat.Â
Michelle Shaver with Norton Children's visited WDRB Mornings Thursday to show us how to build something appetizing, but healthy.
Kids who eat a lunch full of lean protein and complex carbs can avoid the afternoon slump, focus better, and feel full longer. But of course, the biggest challenge is packing a lunch that your child will eat.
A healthier, fun lunch that will provide your kiddo with the nutrients and energy to fuel their way through the school day is the way to go. And the first way to make it more fun is to give it a fun name!
Healthy Kid-Friendly Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 8 oz of your favorite pasta shape! Bowties, rotini, or wagon wheel are great options for little ones (makes about 3 cups)
- â…“ cup yellow bell pepper, finely diced
- â…“ cup red bell pepper, finely diced
- â…“ cup cucumber, finely diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup mozzarella pearls or mozzarella cheese cut into tiny cubes
Kid-Friendly Italian Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt to taste
- pinch black pepper
Directions:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down for the salad. Careful not to overcook your pasta, or it will be mushy by lunchtime.
- In a small jar or bowl, whisk olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, veggies, and mozzarella. Pour dressing over and toss until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days. For lunchboxes, pack in a small leak-proof container with an ice pack.
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