Rainbow Veggie Pasta Jars

In today’s fast-paced world, finding nutritious and visually appealing meal options can be a challenge. With busy schedules often dictating our food choices, we may be tempted to reach for quick, less healthy options. However, the Colorful Veggie Pasta Jars offer a delightful and healthy dish that combines vibrant vegetables with delicious pasta, making it an ideal meal for both individuals and families on the go. These jars are not only packed with flavor and nutrients but also provide a fun and creative way to enjoy your meals. The concept of layering ingredients in jars not only enhances convenience but also turns mealtime into an aesthetically pleasing experience.

Looking for a quick, nutritious meal that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to your palate? Try Colorful Veggie Pasta Jars! These vibrant jars combine whole grain or legume-based pasta with a medley of fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and zucchini, ensuring a delicious flavor and plenty of nutrients. Perfect for meal prep or a satisfying lunch, they make healthy eating fun and visually appealing. Enjoy the ease of assembling these delicious meals while reaping the benefits of a plant-based diet!

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Ingredients

2 cups rainbow fusilli or rotini pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup red bell pepper, diced

1 cup yellow bell pepper, diced

1 cup zucchini, diced

1 cup purple cabbage, shredded

1/2 cup carrots, grated

1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1 cup mozzarella balls or vegan cheese (if desired)

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

Salt and black pepper to taste

Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rainbow pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to halt the cooking process. Set it aside in a large bowl.

Prepare the Vegetables: While your pasta is cooking, wash and dice all the vegetables as specified in the ingredient list. Ensure the cherry tomatoes are halved, and the zucchini and bell peppers are cut into even-sized pieces for easy layering.

Make the Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Whisk the mixture until all ingredients are well blended and set aside.

Layer the Jars: Take clean, wide-mouth jars and begin layering your ingredients. Start with a layer of halved cherry tomatoes at the bottom, followed by the diced red bell peppers, yellow bell peppers, zucchini cubes, shredded purple cabbage, and grated carrots.

Add Pasta and Cheese: Once the jars are filled to about halfway with vegetables, add a generous scoop of the cooked pasta into each jar. If you are using mozzarella balls or vegan cheese, add them at this stage, along with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added flavor.

Repeat Layers: If there is still room in the jars, continue layering the remaining vegetables and pasta in the same order, finishing with a final layer of chopped parsley on the top for a vibrant look.

Drizzle with Dressing: Gently pour the prepared dressing into each jar, allowing it to seep through the layers of vegetables and pasta at the bottom.

Seal and Store: Cap each jar tightly with a lid, and store them in the refrigerator. The vegetable pasta jars will remain fresh for up to 5 days.

Serve: When it's time to enjoy your pasta jars, give each jar a good shake or use a fork to mix the contents before serving. Add a lemon wedge on the side for an extra pop of freshness when eating.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6 jars

- Presentation Tips: For an eye-catching display, use clear jars to showcase the bright colors of the vegetables, and consider garnishing the top with additional herbs or a sprinkle of cheese just before serving.