Hey y'all! When the back-to-school rush hits, nothing beats having a scrumptious, make-ahead dish ready to go. This Back-to-School Cheesy Pasta Salad – Meal Planning Made Fun recipe is creamy, cheesy, and loaded with colorful veggies, making it a hit for lunchboxes, potlucks, or quick dinners. The best part? It's so easy, the kids can help! Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Back-to-School Cheesy Pasta Salad – Meal Planning Made Fun
- Perfect for prepping ahead – stays fresh and tasty for days.
- Kid-approved flavors with a creamy, cheesy twist.
- Easily customizable with your favorite mix-ins.
- Great for potlucks, picnics, and after-school snacks.
- Balanced with protein, veggies, and gooey cheese in every bite!
Back-to-School Cheesy Pasta Salad Ingredients
- 3 cups uncooked rotini pasta
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper
- ½ cup diced cucumber
- ½ cup halved cherry tomatoes
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- ½ cup mini pepperoni slices (optional)
- 1 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
How to Make Back-to-School Cheesy Pasta Salad – Meal Planning Made Fun
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook according to package directions (about 9-11 minutes) until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Combine Salad Ingredients
To the bowl with the dressing, add cooked pasta, shredded cheddar, bell pepper, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and mini pepperoni (if using). Toss until everything is evenly coated in the creamy dressing.
Step 4: Chill & Serve
Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour for the flavors to meld. Garnish with chopped parsley just before serving for a fresh pop of color!
Notes for Perfect Back-to-School Cheesy Pasta Salad – Meal Planning Made Fun
- For extra protein, add diced cooked chicken or chickpeas (see more meal prep tips here).
- Swap rotini for any short pasta you love, like fusilli or penne.
- If making ahead, reserve a bit of dressing to freshen up the salad before serving.
Variations: Customize Your Back-to-School Cheesy Pasta Salad
- Veggie-Loaded: Add broccoli florets, corn, or peas for extra nutrition.
- Italian-Inspired: Use mozzarella cubes and sliced black olives instead of cheddar and pepperoni.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute with your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Required Equipment for Back-to-School Cheesy Pasta Salad – Meal Planning Made Fun
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover Back-to-School Cheesy Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If the salad seems dry after storing, stir in a tablespoon or two of mayonnaise or yogurt to refresh it before serving.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Pack in lunchboxes with fruit and crackers for a balanced meal.
- Serve alongside grilled chicken or sandwiches for a hearty family dinner.
- Pair with a tall glass of lemonade on a sunny day!
Pro Tips for the Best Back-to-School Cheesy Pasta Salad – Meal Planning Made Fun
- Always rinse your pasta in cold water after cooking to keep it from sticking (learn more pasta tips).
- Dice veggies small so they mix evenly and are easy for kids to eat.
- Let the salad chill for at least an hour so the flavors can fully develop.
Back-to-School Cheesy Pasta Salad – Meal Planning Made Fun: FAQ
- Can I make this ahead of time?
- Absolutely! This pasta salad tastes even better after chilling and can be made up to 2 days ahead.
- How can I make this lighter?
- Swap the mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat cheese for a lighter version without losing creaminess.
- What pasta shapes work best?
- Rotini, penne, or fusilli are ideal as they hold the creamy dressing and mix-ins well. Learn more about pasta types here.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup diced cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sliced black olives
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- ⅓ cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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1Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
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2In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cheddar cheese, black olives, red bell pepper, and green onions.
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3Pour the Italian dressing over the salad ingredients and toss well to coat everything evenly.
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4Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix again to combine.
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5Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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