Tomato Pasta Salad Lunchbox

Learn how to make this tomato pasta salad with simple, fresh ingredients and get all the best tips to keep it perfectly fresh in a lunchbox for hours!

Pasta Lunch for Kids

I'm convinced pasta is one of the easiest ways to pack a filling school lunch with zero complaints. And this pasta salad lunch always delivers when my kids are going through a major pasta phase, like, could-eat-it-every-day kind of phase!

Just like my Cobb pasta salad and pizza pasta lunch box, this tomato pasta salad is fresh, full of healthy ingredients and (most importantly) easy to prep ahead. So grab those leftovers from last night’s dinner and let’s get packing!

Ingredients

Make this simple tomato and pasta salad your own by opening the fridge and adding any extras that your kids love, this base recipe can be a little different every time you make it. You can find exact amounts in the recipe card below, but here’s what I used for this lunchbox:

• Cooked pasta: use leftover pasta to make this lunch fast! Short pasta shapes like rotini, or penne work best. Whole wheat pasta adds extra fiber, but any pasta will do.
• Cherry tomatoes: sweet, juicy and add a vibrant pop of flavor. Grape tomatoes or diced regular tomatoes work too.
• Olive oil: a drizzle of good olive oil keeps the pasta from drying out and adds a light, fresh taste.
• Fresh basil: adds a mild, herby flavor that pairs well with the pasta and tomatoes. If basil isn't a favorite, try finely chopped baby spinach instead.
• Extra toppings: to mix with the pasta. Think olives, deli meat, or cheese cubes.
• Salt and pepper: for seasoning.

How to Pack Pasta Salad for School Lunch

These simple tips will ensure your pasta salad is fresh and delicious when it’s time to dig in:

1. Make the salad: Mix the cooked pasta with cherry tomatoes, olive oil, extra toppings (if using), basil, salt, and pepper. Transfer the pasta salad to a hard lunch container.
2. Add sides: Consider including some crunchy veggie sticks or fruit to make this lunch even more filling and nutritious. Keep them packed separately.
3. Pack it for school
   Store the lunch container in the fridge until it's time to leave for school, then place it, any healthy sides, and utensils inside a lunch bag along with an ice pack, if needed.

Keeping it Fresh for Lunch at School

A salad that stays delicious by lunchtime is all about smart packing! Here's what works:

Use the right container
A sturdy lunch container works great for keeping pasta salad fresh and intact until it’s time to eat! Bonus if it has compartments to keep sides like fruit and veggies separate.

Keep it cool
The best way to keep a pasta salad fresh and cool until lunchtime is by adding an ice pack inside the lunch bag to regulate the temperature.

Make ahead
Most pasta salads can be made up to 3 days ahead. This makes packing it in the morning super quick and also allows all the flavors come together!

Other Filling Lunches for Kids

If you’re into this pasta salad, you'll love a ham & veggie wrap for a quick, filling lunch or a crispy, melty grilled cheese and tomato. For kids craving variety, a salami & cheese bento or homemade lunchables always get a thumbs up!

Tomato Pasta Salad Lunch Box

Servings: 1

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Total Time: 5 minutes mins

Turn pasta leftovers into this quick and easy pasta salad for a fuss-free school lunch your kids will love!

5 from 8 votes

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Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked pasta, like cavatappi or rotini
• ¼ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
• Pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions

Prep

• In a bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, chopped basil, salt, and pepper. Toss until everything is well coated, then transfer to a lunch container.

Pack it for school

• Place the pasta salad, any healthy sides, and a fork inside a lunch bag. Use an ice pack to keep it cool and fresh until lunchtime.

Notes

This is a great way to use up leftover pasta! Just set aside 1 cup after cooking and let it cool before making this easy lunch.

Equipment

101 Packed Lunches

Kids Lunch Box

ice pack

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 228kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 139mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 288IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 2mg