In a few weeks, we’ll be driving to Colorado for our annual family vacation. Road trip with two kids, yay…. Really though they should do well since it’s not too far of a drive. The first night we are staying in Denver and going to Elitch Gardens Theme Park. We’ll be there on my birthday so I need some good family friendly restaurant suggestions.
After our day in Denver we’re going to a little town about 45 minutes from Colorado Springs for the rest of our trip. Again, restaurant and activity suggestions are more than welcome.
With the kids, we’re going to try and keep it more low key which totally goes against everything I stand for when it comes to vacation but it makes it much more enjoyable in the end. We learned that the hard way with our first family vacation after Noah was born.
He was about 9 months old and we went to Chicago. I’d never been before so I wanted to see and do everything in the city. Although Noah was a really easy going baby, those kind of plans aren’t always kid friendly. He was miserable and overtired by the end of each day which in turn made us grumpy. It turned out to be a not so fun trip which was really a bummer for our first trip.
I don’t know why we though we could run the way we did pre-child. And also, why we thought it would be a good idea to bring a full size stroller on the train. Seriously, we did that. I’m sure people hated us. I would have. The whole trip is funny to look back on now but man were we ticked back then.
Since we’re staying in a house in Colorado, we are going to be cooking most of our meals but not every meal. It is vacation after all! We’re planning quick, easy meals to maximize our time in the beautiful mountains. And this pasta salad is the perfect side dish for the occasion. It comes together in minutes and is even better if made the night before.
For the homemade balsamic vinaigrette, simply place all ingredients in a mason jar and shake, shake, shake. Then chop the tomatoes and mozzarella. All of this can be done while cooking the tortellini. Boom. Throw some brats and veggies on the grill and dinner is served.
This would be great to serve for the 4th of July. And since it contains no mayo, you don’t have to worry about it sitting out for awhile. Quick side dish = more time to blow up stuff. That’s always a plus in my book.
Speaking of fireworks, let me leave you with this little tip. Several firecrackers in a Sams Club size can of corn (opened completely of course) is always, always a good idea. Not that I speak from experience…..
Did a bit of my redneck just come out?
- 1 cup balsamic vinaigrette (recipe follows)
- 12 oz. cheese tortellini, cooked according to package directions
- 1 cup halved grape tomatoes
- 3 oz. mozzarella, finely diced
- 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 Tbsp. dried parsley
- 2 tsp. dried basil
- 1/2 tsp. onion powder
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- For the dressing: combine all ingredients in a jar and shake to combine. Store in refrigerator.
- Combine the tortellini, 1 cup dressing, tomatoes and mozzarella in a bowl and gently toss. For best results, make at least a few hours in advance.
June 29, 2015 at 2:16 pm
we are going to breckenridge on Saturday for a week w/ my parents and siblings (and of course our kids in tow)! AND, we each have to take turns making meals. Pretty sure this is going to be mine. can pasta salad be a whole meal!? I hope so 🙂
June 29, 2015 at 5:40 pm
Awesome! Let me know what you think! You could marinate a couple boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the leftover dressing then grill them up, dice and add to the salad to make it even heartier.
June 29, 2015 at 10:37 pm
ooo yes! that’s a good idea! 🙂
August 11, 2015 at 1:29 pm
made it with grilled chicken – AMAZING!!! such a hit. popped back to grab the recipe again for a night next week 🙂