Description
This recipe for Kid-Friendly Basil Chicken Pasta Salad is perfect for busy parents. It’s quick, easy, and designed to appeal to little palates, helping make mealtimes less stressful and more enjoyable for the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound rotini pasta (or other kid-friendly shape)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, shredded chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced cucumber.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to combine.
- Stir in fresh chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes for flavors to meld.
Notes
- For picky eaters, you can finely dice the vegetables or offer them on the side.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This recipe is easily adaptable; feel free to add other kid-friendly vegetables like peas or corn.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: No-Cook (after pasta)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg