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Lemon-Pesto Cold Pasta Salad (Kid & Adult Approved)

Bored of sandwiches? This vibrant Lemon-Pesto Pasta Salad is the answer to your lunch-time blues. Bursting with fresh basil, zesty lemon, and crunchy veggies, this dish stays perfectly delicious even when cold. It’s the ultimate "make-ahead" meal—just toss everything together the night before, and you’re ready to go. Whether it’s in a colorful lunchbox for school or a sleek container for the office, this pasta salad brings a gourmet touch to your daily routine without any extra stress.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course: Lunch, Dinner, Meal Prep
Cuisine: Italian, American, Healthy
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Rotini or Fusilli pasta cooked and cooled
  • 2 tbsp Basil pesto store-bought or homemade
  • 1/4 cup Cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/4 cup Cucumber diced
  • 1 tbsp Parmesan cheese optional
  • 1 tbsp Lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. How to make it:
  2. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions. Rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down immediately.
  3. Toss: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, basil pesto, and lemon juice. Mix well until every piece is coated.
  4. Add Veggies: Gently fold in the cherry tomatoes and diced cucumber.
  5. Assemble: Pack the salad into the main compartment of your bento box.
  6. Finish: Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper right before closing the lid.