Family Meal Prep With This Delicious 2 Way Pasta Salad

Feeding everyone, happily and with no tears, is a major parenting triumph. It is the little things right?! Nailing down a single recipe that can accommodate and be customized to differing tastes can and will make you feel like a Hero Parent! That’s why we have for you the recipe for 2-way Paw Patrol Pasta Salad! Great for lunch or dinner, this recipe satisfies every palate, is easy, and can be prepped in advance for a week of happy, stress-free meals. 

This recipe rescues the classic pasta salad, with kid-favorite flavors. For the pizza loving side, there’s salty cheese and salami for a yummy savory bite. Then we head east for our Asian-Fusion spin, that combines sweet and healthy ingredients, like sugar snap peas, apple and almonds, for a fun crunchy bite.

You’re totally going to win them ALL over with this quick and easy recipe. Add in a good2grow juice featuring their favorite Paw Patrol character for an extra special treat (click here to buy now on Amazon).

Ingredients For Both Salads:

1 lb. of Pasta (We like rotini or bow ties)

2 carrots peeled and chopped small

1 medium red bell pepper, chopped. 

Italian Ingredients:

1/4 cup frozen, defrosted peas

1/4 cup parmesan cheese 

(For extra cheesy goodness, add in a 1/2 cup of low-fat shredded mozzarella)

1/2 lb. of sliced Italian-style salami, diced

8 oz of your favorite Italian-style dressing

Asian-Fusion Ingredients:

1 apple, diced

1 Tablespoon of vinegar (Apple cider, white, red, any will do)

2 cups cooked chicken (We like it with Terriyaki Sauce, but any kind works)

1/4 cup of shelled-edamame, defrosted

8 oz. can Mandarin oranges, drained

1/4 cup sliced almonds

A pinch of sesame seeds

8oz of your favorite Asian-style vinaigrette 

Directions:

Step 1:

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil.

Step 2:

To water, add in a big pinch of salt, then add in pasta. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until firmly tender (You’ll know once you do a taste test). Rinse with cold water and set aside.

Step 3: 

While the pasta is cooking, chop carrots and red bell pepper. Divide and place in two large mixing bowls. 

Step 4:

Chop up the apple and add to the “Asian” bowl. Add vinegar to bowl and mix to prevent browning/discoloration.

Step 5:

In the “Italian” Bowl, add peas, parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella (if using), and salami.

Step 6:

In the “Asian-Fusion” Bowl, add chicken, edamame, mandarin oranges, almonds and sesame seeds.

Step 7: 

Divide pasta equally among the two bowls. Then stir in dressing to each bowl to coat and refrigerate. If salad becomes dry, add in more dressing to taste.    

Just like that, easy-peasey-lemon-squeezey, you’ve meal prepped for two meals in under 25 minutes. Now that’s how you hack meal prepping for a happy and satisfied crew!