Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (450g) dried pasta (rotini, fusilli, or penne recommended)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil, extra virgin
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) dried Italian herbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/2 cup (75g) cooked protein (grilled chicken breast, chickpeas, hard-boiled egg slices, cooked shrimp, leftover roast beef)
  • 1/2 cup (75g) chopped vegetables (cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, carrots, broccoli florets, snap peas)
  • 1/4 cup (40g) fruit (grapes, apple slices, berries, orange segments)
  • 1/4 cup (25g) cheese (feta, mozzarella balls, cheddar cubes, parmesan shavings)
  • Optional: handful of nuts or seeds (almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds)
  • Optional: small container of dip (hummus, tzatziki, guacamole)

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
  2. Prepare Pasta Salad Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, red wine vinegar, olive oil, Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Combine Pasta and Dressing: Drain the cooked pasta and immediately add it to the bowl with the dressing. Toss well to coat. Allow to cool slightly, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes.
  4. Prepare Bento Box Components: While the pasta is chilling, prepare your protein, vegetables, fruit, cheese, and any other desired components. Chop vegetables and fruits into bite-sized pieces.
  5. Assemble Bento Boxes: Divide the chilled pasta salad evenly among the five airtight containers.
  6. Add Components to Bento Boxes: Arrange the protein, vegetables, fruit, and cheese artfully in separate compartments of each container, alongside the pasta salad. If using a dip, include a small container of it in the bento box.
  7. Seal and Store: Securely seal the containers and store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  8. Grab and Go: Each morning, grab a ready made bento box and enjoy!