Spinach Corn Pasta Salad | Pasta Salad with Tomato Garlic Dressing( Pasta Salad In A Jar) | How to make Pasta Salad | Office Lunch Box Ideas

Hi Supermoms,

Carrying healthy lunch to office has just become glamorous!
  It is so convenient to pack the lunch the night before which means  No more hurried morning chores. The 'Salad In A Jar' is also cool way to carry your lunch to work. The Salad Jars, keeps the vegetables fresh for even a couple of days when refrigerated. In this recipe, the healthy combination of sweet corn and spinach is layered along with a tangy and mildly spicy tomato dressing.  With  this delicious dressing and a whole lot of vegetables and herbs , your lunch is now both tasty, wholesome and  gorgeous!!! 

Spinach Corn Pasta Salad Jar with Tomato Garlic Dressing( Pasta Salad In A Jar):

Preparation time : 10 minutes

Cooking time : 20 minutes

Serves : 2

1 Cup = 250 gms Cup

Special Vessel : Medium Size Salad Jars ( capacity around 300gms to 500 gms)

Storage : Keeps good for 3 days when refrigerated

Ingredients :

1 cup Penne Pasta 

1/2 cup sweet corn ( boiled)

1/2 cup spinach ( chopped)

1/2 yellow bell pepper

1/2 red bell pepper

For the tomato dressing:

2 tablespoons store bought pasta sauce 

               OR

For home made tomato dressing :

4 tomatoes ( blanched)

1/4  green bell pepper ( deseeded)

4 cloves garlic ( finely chopped)

1 dry red chilli 
1 teaspoon vinegar

2 teaspoons olive oil

1/2 teaspoon dry herbs or 2 teaspoons fresh herbs ( roughly chopped)

salt to taste

For garnish :

2 teaspoons pumpkin seeds

1 teaspoon dry Italian herbs (mixed)

1/4 cup mozzarella cheese (grated) ( use tofu as vegan option)

5-6 basil leaves

5-6 olives (sliced)

Method :

1. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil add a pinch of salt , pasta and cook for 7-8 minutes.

2. Drain the pasta in a colander and pour a cup of cold water over it  to stop the cooking, set aside.

3. Heat a vessel/pan with 1 cup of water and bring it to a rolling boil. 

4. Now add the washed and chopped spinach and immediately switch off.

5. Drain the excess water from the spinach and set it aside.

To make the pasta sauce :

1. Coarsely grind the blanched tomatoes, red chilli, bell pepper and garlic.

2. Heat a pan with olive oil and add the ground mixture.

3. Add salt ,vinegar and cook covered over low flame for approximately for 7-8 minutes or till the time the oil separates.

4. Sprinkle the fresh/dry herbs and switch off.

Assembling the jar:

1. Take a clean, dry, odour free jar and start layering the salad.

2. Start by adding 1 tablespoon of the tomato dressing .

3. Followed by chopped yellow bell pepper, penne pasta, spinach, sweet corn, red bell peppers.

4. Garnish with grated cheese, pumpkin seeds and herbs.

5. Close the jar tightly and refrigerate till you consume.

Your stunning  colourful Pasta Salad is now ready. Whenever you want to eat, open the jar and transfer the contents to a wide bowl, mix and enjoy !

Chef Tips:

1. You can use baby spinach ( raw) .

2. You can use your choice of fresh seasonal vegetables and herbs.

3. Using cheese is optional. 

4. You can use vegan cheese like tofu as a healthier option.

5. You can use any variety of pasta.

Have you tried my Trail Mix Jar  recipe ?

Happy Cooking !

With love,

Masterchefmom

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