Vegetable-Packed PBS Kids Rainbow Pasta Salad

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A colorful and nutritious pasta salad full of fresh veggies and a light dressing, ideal for a healthy kid-friendly meal. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs small shell pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, medium, diced cucumber into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz small shell pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool the pasta.
  2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 medium diced cucumber, 1/2 cup shredded carrots, and 1/2 cup thawed frozen peas.
  3. Step 3: Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with vegetables. In a separate small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
  4. Step 4: Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables, gently toss to combine until everything is evenly coated. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to develop flavors.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Vegetable-Packed PBS Kids Rainbow Pasta Salad take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Vegetable-Packed PBS Kids Rainbow Pasta Salad?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep small shell pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vegetable-Packed PBS Kids Rainbow Pasta Salad?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Vegetable-Packed PBS Kids Rainbow Pasta Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Vegetable-Packed PBS Kids Rainbow Pasta Salad vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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