Kid friendly pasta salad

 My kids have always loved pasta salad. This one is filled with veggies and a crowd pleaser.

 

Ingredients

1 pound bowtie pasta

Kosher salt

2 carrots, chopped

One 12-ounce broccoli crown, cut into bite-size florets

1 cup shredded mozzarella and/or cheddar

1 cup grape tomatoes, halved (preferably yellow & red)

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1/3 cup mayonnaise

1 teaspoon sugar

1 large clove garlic, minced

Freshly ground black pepper

3 green onions, thinly sliced

 

Directions

Add pasta to a large pot of boiling salted water. Set a timer and cook the pasta for 3 minutes less than it says on the back of the box. When the timer goes off, add the carrots and cook for 2 minutes longer. Next add the broccoli, and continue boiling for 1 more minute. Drain the pasta and veggies in a colander in the sink. Rinse well under cold water to stop the cooking. Make sure to drain off all the liquid. Add the pasta mixture to the large bowl along with the shredded cheese and cherry tomatoes. In a small bowl, whisk together the oil and vinegar. Then whisk in the mayonnaise, sugar, garlic and some salt and pepper. Add the dressing to the salad and toss well. Fold in the green onions. Serve immediately, or cover with plastic wrap and chill for 2 hours before serving.