So, let’s talk about school. Are you going back? Distance learning? Homeschooling? Something else? It is, for sure, an emotional minefield for so many people. If you’re still figuring things out, I’m sending you big, virtual hugs.
One thing I’ve been hearing a lot is about lunch – some schools are requiring packed lunches, some are sending the kids home early so there will be no lunch served. Lunch so often feels like an overlooked meal – but I believe it’s one we’re all going to be thinking about this year.
I’m a huge fan of make-ahead lunches. Something I can whip together in a big batch and serve all week – and this pizza-inspired pasta salad is just that.
Jump to:
Ingredients
- 8 oz. rotini pasta
- 1/2 red pepper, chopped
- 1/2 green pepper, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cubed pepperoni
- 1 cup cubed mozzarella
- 3 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 Tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 – 3/4 cup Italian dressing
Peppers and pepperoni are two of our favorite pizza toppings, so they’re heavy in here – but it would be easy to switch up to your own personal tastes! Next time I make this, I’ll be adding in sliced black olives too!
Directions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse to stop cooking.
- In a large bowl, toss together the cooked pasta, peppers, tomatoes, pepperoni and mozzarella.
- Sprinkle Parmesan and basil over the top, and toss to evenly distribute.
- Drizzle Italian dressing over everything and toss to coat evenly.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
If you’re making this for same day eating, dressing when you make it works fine. If you’re making this to use as lunches for the week, hold off on dressing it until the day of. Just spoon a serving into your bowl or container and add enough dressing to evenly coat.
More great lunch ideas
Salad jars are some of my favorite make-ahead options! This post breaks down the method behind them. One of my favorite versions is this Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Quinoa Salad Jar.
Soups are also great! Southwestern Broccoli Soup is one that’s awesome for warmer weather. Roasted Vegetable & Black Bean Burritos are another easy option!
Have a few more minutes? Pizza Waffles, 5-Minute Pad Thai, and Roast Beef and Cheddar Paninis are quick, warm options. Artichoke and Salami Sandwiches and Roast Beef and Parmesan Pitas are also lunch favorites here!
Recipe
Pizza Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 8 oz. rotini pasta
- 1/2 red pepper, chopped
- 1/2 green pepper, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cubed pepperoni
- 1 cup cubed mozzarella
- 3 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 Tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 - 3/4 cup Italian dressing
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse to stop cooking.
- In a large bowl, toss together the cooked pasta, peppers, tomatoes, pepperoni and mozzarella.
- Sprinkle Parmesan and basil over the top, and toss to evenly distribute.
- Drizzle Italian dressing over everything and toss to coat evenly.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
Making this ahead? Skip the dressing until ready to serve!
