Bowtie Pasta Salad with Basil Ribbons
Looking to spice up your child’s lunchbox? Our friends, The Meal Makeover Moms, share with us their infamous bowtie pasta salad that is perfect for back to school! This dish combines playful bowties, colorful veggies, and chicken; making each bite both tasty and nutritious. The best part about this recipe is that it only takes 10 min. to make and you’re done! This means more time to spend with your kiddos, and less time spent in the kitchen!
Bowtie Pasta Salad with Basil Ribbons
Prep Time 20 minutes
Servings 5 Servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz dried whole wheat bowtie pasta (3 generous cups)
- 1 small red bell pepper cut into 3/4-inch dice (about 1 cup)
- 8 oz cooked chicken cut into 3/4-inch dice (about 1½ cups)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 to 1 cup canned chickpeas drained and rinsed, optional
- 1/3 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves cut into thin strips (a.k.a. ribbons)
- 1/3 cup Italian salad dressing
Instructions
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Cook the pasta according to package directions. When done, drain, rinse with cold water, and drain again.
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Place the pasta in a large bowl. Add the bell pepper, chicken, feta cheese, chickpeas as desired, basil, and salad dressing and stir to combine.
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Pack in plastic containers with a tight-fitting lid or place in a bento-style lunch box and send to school… or camp.