Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pasta (rotini, penne, or macaroni work well)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup Italian dressing

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta: Follow the package directions to cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and Parmesan cheese.
3. Toss with dressing: Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
4. Chill and serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled.

Tips for Kid-Friendly Pasta Salad:

• Add protein: For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, cooked bacon, or hard-boiled eggs.
• Make it colorful: Use a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli.
• Customize the dressing: If your kids don’t like Italian dressing, try a vinaigrette or a creamy dressing.
• Get creative with shapes: Use fun pasta shapes like stars, hearts, or animals to make the salad more appealing.
• Involve your kids: Let your kids help with the preparation, such as chopping vegetables or tossing the salad.