Let your little eater feed themselves this yummy Baby Pasta Salad that’s full of veggies and tossed in a yogurt dressing. Baby loved, mama approved!
How cute is this pasta salad? It’s so perfect for your littlest eater or any kiddo in the house for that matter. All of my kids love it, but especially baby girl…
I make a batch of this easy pasta salad at the beginning of the week for her to eat for lunch and sometimes dinner all throughout the week. It’s been easy for her to eat ever since she really got the hang of baby-led weaning around 9 months. I’ll mix it up sometimes depending on the veggies I buy. And now that she’s older, I’ll use bigger whole wheat pastas like penne but she and the boys really love the star shaped pasta.
It’s usually a meal-in-one for my crew, but sometimes I’ll serve it alongside baked chicken nuggets or with a cheese stick for protein. And it’s so great to take to a potluck or party for a kid-friendly dish.
Just three ingredients to keep it simple…the way baby food should be.
I always keep these three products on hand for the kids. The veggies are already cut to their size and they’re quick to cook. We use Bolthouse Farms dressings all the time to dip veggies in or drizzle over salads. The stelline pasta is such a great starter pasta for babies who are learning to eat. And it’s star shape is super cute!
Just cook the pasta according to package directions for al dente. Once al dente, turn off the heat and stir in the defrosted veggies. Let the veggies rest in the hot pasta water with the pasta for 2 minutes. Drain well and transfer to a mixing bowl. Stir in 1 cup dressing until pasta and veggies are completed coated. Season with a little salt, if desired.
And that’s all there is to it. It keeps great in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. It’s so nice to have it ready to serve throughout the week. I’ll serve it to Brookie for lunch, put it in the boys’ school lunch boxes or scoop it up for a quick dinner when I don’t have anything planned and the crew is hungry.
I hope your littles love it as much as mine do. Enjoy!
xoxo,
This recipe is not sponsored by any of the brands used to make it.
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Baby Pasta Salad
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 12
- Category: Main
Description
Let your little eater feed themselves this yummy pasta salad that’s full of veggies and tossed in a yogurt dressing. Baby loved, mama approved!
Ingredients
- 1 (16 ounce) package stelline pasta (or any bite-sized pasta)
- 1 (16 ounce) bag frozen mixed vegetables, defrosted in the refrigerator
- 1 cup yogurt ranch dressing
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente. Turn burner off and immediately stir in defrosted mixed vegetables. Let vegetables and pasta sit in hot water for 2 minutes before draining. Once drained well, transfer pasta and vegetables to a large mixing bowl. Stir in 1 cup yogurt dressing until all pasta and vegetables are evenly coated. Salt lightly, if desired.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.
How old were your children when you started them on this meal?
Hi Fealisha! Around 9 months.
Is the egg yolk in the boathouse salad dressing okay for babies under a year?
Hi Jill! I would assume since it’s pasteurized, but if you’re concerned, I would suggest asking your pediatrician.
Do you think I could toss this with just plain Greek yogurt? My 9 month old has been gobbling yogurt up like crazy!
Hi Lauren! Absolutely, as long as your little one likes the tart flavor. I hope they love it!
Thank you! That’s a great idea for my little guy too. (also 9mo)
You’re welcome, Katya. I hope your little guy loves it as much as my little ones do!
This recipe sounds great! I’m here online desperately searching for simple, healthy recipes for my 4 y/o picky eater & my 1 y/o nonstop eater! My older one eats d mix veggie blend (I mix it in a lot of things) but he weeds out d green beans. Wish I could hide them better so he can get more greens.
Hi Cindy! Yes, it’s such a great recipe for older kiddos too. My whole crew loves it and of course, each one has their veggie that they don’t like and usually pick around. Ugh! Fun times with little eaters! I hope your two love it! Enjoy!
Can you use regular ranch with this? I wanna enjoy it too but i don’t like yogurt…
Hi Mikaela! Absolutely! Enjoy!
I love this recipe but my son has a milk, egg, wheat and peanuts allergy. I’ve found gluten free pasta but I wonder what I could substitute for the ranch. Any ideas?
Hi Michelle! I would suggest either making your own ranch (I just googled and there are several allergy-free recipes out there) or you could look for a brand that makes a ranch dressing that meets your son’s allergy requirements. Or you could toss the pasta in hummus or a vinaigrette dressing. Hope this helps. Enjoy!
Hi Maegan,
What is yogurt Ranch dressing? Is that homemade or Store bought? I’ve never heard of it. Thanks!
Hi Janie! I use a brand called Bolthouse. It’s in the refrigerated section of the grocery store near the lettuce or salad mixes in produce. Several great flavors!
Hi Meagan…Can’t wait to make this for my little one. Do you serve warm or cold? Also,Can I freeze left over? if yes, how long will it last in freezer.
Hi Claudia! I usually serve it cold unless I’ve just made it. I would not recommend freezing it as the dressing will likely separate after it thaws which will leave the salad with a weird texture. Hope this helps and hope you little one loves it!
Hi Maegan,
Thank you so much for this recipe. My 19 month old has been SO difficult to feed. He literally hates everything I put in front of him if it’s not fruit. This is the ONLY dish he gets excited about and devours. I was shocked. I’ve been giving it to him on and off for lunch this past week and he still gets excited over it. Thank you!
Hi Tammy! This makes my day! So so happy to hear your little guy loves it. Mine were the same way when they were his age. Hope he continues to enjoy it and other yummy foods. 🙂
I love this recipe! I can’t wait to make it. It looks like something kids can’t refuse!
I also love the bib! Where did you find it/ how did you make it? I am dying to have it for my baby!
Hi Rocky! Your kiddos are sure to gobble it up! Simple and delicious. It’s the “for-a-lil-sparkle” bib from Make My Day: https://makemydayproducts.com/collections/bibs/products/for-a-lil-sparkle?variant=5190086657
These photos are adorable! x
Izzy | pinch of delight
Thank you so much! I know he is going to love this, he’s 2.5 ,also my 21 year old vegetarian daughter, as well. Thanks again.
My little guy is lactose intolerant. Any substitutions for the ranch that you can think of?
Hi BJ! I’ve seen a few lactose-free ranch dressings at the store that you could use or if you google “dairy free ranch dressing recipe” there are several recipes out there that you could try making. Hope this helps. Enjoy!
Italian dressing is a good alternative.
Ooh what a great idea! Maybe I can trick my 14 month old into eating some veggies!