One of my favorite things about summer vacation, when I was younger (as now I don’t get one haha), was always going to the movies with my family. Not only is it the perfect way to escape the heat, but it’s kind of like a mini vacation – getting lost for a few hours in the story. In honor of one of this summer’s most anticipated movie releases, and a childhood favorite of mine, I thought it would be fun to turn the ever-adorable Rex into an easy and delicious noodle art.

This dino-mite dish is prepared using Cha Soba noodles for Rex’s green color, along with Good Foods yummy, and plant based Avocado Pesto Dip, which is made from 100% fruits and vegetables (and no artificial ingredients ever). Fresh veggies and a little cheese create the rawrsome details, and step-by-step instructions keep the building process simple so even little ones can help out.

Ingredients: (serves 1-2)

This post is sponsored by Good Foods. All images and opinions are my own.

 

Avocado Pesto Noodles:

3 ½ ounces Cha Soba Noodles

½ tablespoon olive oil

4 tablespoons Good Foods Avocado Pesto Dip, plus more for serving

Fresh basil to garnish (optional)

Rex Decorations:

½ green bell pepper

1 slice mozzarella or white cheese (plant based cheese works well too)

1 sheet nori

Tools:

Large round piping tip

Small scissors

Set of large round cookie cutters or sharp kitchen knife

Small triangle cookie cutter

Directions:

1. Cook the Cha Soba noodles according to the package directions, and after rinsing with cold water, stir in the olive oil to prevent the noodles from sticking. Cover and refrigerate while preparing the Rex decorations.
2. Use scissors to cut shapes out of the nori. You will want a semi circle for the inside of Rex’s mouth, 2 triangles for his nostrils, and 2 small circles for his pupils.
3. Use a large round piping tip to cut 2 circles out of the cheese for Rex’s eyes, and about 22 small triangles for his teeth.
4. The bell pepper can be used to make the shape around Rex’s eyes (and can be used for the nostrils if you prefer). I used two concentric circular shaped cookie cutters to form the arch shape, and then right before adding it to the noodles I cut the pepper into small shapes to make it look more like scales.
5. Now it’s time to put it all together! Remove your noodles from the refrigerator, and stir in the Avocado Pesto. Use either a fork or chopsticks to help twist the noodles into a long oval shape.
6. Next, add an overlapping (and wider) oval for the top of Rex’s head. Finish the design with a circle of noodles to the right side (where the top and bottom ovals join), and a triangle on top for his eyes.
7. Add the nori for Rex’s mouth where the lower oval joins the upper, on the bottom, and arrange the teeth using a knife to shorten them as needed.
8. Place the nostrils on, and arrange the bell pepper around the noodle triangle you made on top of Rex’s head. Add the cheese and then nori for his eyes.
9. Sprinkle fresh basil on top, if desired, and enjoy your t-riffic creation!!

Any leftover noodles can be covered and stored in the refrigerator. If you try this Toy Story inspired tutorial I would love to see!