Great make ahead-meal with fresh veggies, Italian herbs and a tangy dressing.
Tomato Pasta Salad
Ingredients
4 cups cooked rotini pasta
2 cups chopped tomatoes
1 cup chopped broccoli
¼ cup sliced black olives
2 teaspoons dry Italian herbs
2 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
8 ounces low-fat Italian salad dressing (about 1 cup)
Directions
- Wash hands with soap and water.
- Rinse fresh vegetables under running water before preparing.
- Combine the cooked pasta, tomatoes, broccoli and black olives together in a bowl.
- Add the herbs, cheese and salad dressing. Stir together and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
Photo and recipe adapted from Nutrition Matters.
Notes
- Try adding other vegetables such as corn, cucumber and avocado.
- Try whole-wheat pasta.
- Low-fat vinaigrette salad dressing also works in this recipe.
You might also like...
Green Beans with Onions and Almonds
Green Beans with Onions and Almonds
A healthy vegetable side dish that combines sweet, savory, crunchy and tangy.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Overnight Oats for One
Overnight Oats for One
Quick and easy make-ahead breakfast recipe for one person. Change it up with your favorite yogurt and fruit.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
1 serving
Stovetop Barley
Stovetop Barley
This fiber-rich grain has a mild nutty flavor and a slightly chewy texture.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
45 to 60 minutes
Makes:
3 ½ to 4 cups
Barley, Bean and Corn Salad
Barley, Bean and Corn Salad
Fresh and healthy make-ahead side dish or salad with beans, grains and fresh veggies.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
6 Cups
Festive Tortillas
Festive Tortillas
Make your own colorful, easy and delicious tortillas with added vegetables. Enjoy with your favorite fillings and toppings!
Prepare:
30 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
4 tortillas
Peach Cooler
Peach Cooler
A cool, creamy and refreshing drink. Try it on a hot day or as part of a quick and easy breakfast.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
2 cups


Comments
This Tomato Pasta Salad recipe makes a perfect quick and easy side dish! I have only gotten positive reviews on the flavor and the leftovers keep well in the fridge if you are making it the day before the event.
I seem to always have some kind of noodle at home and some Italian dressing somewhere in my fridge....thus this recipe is a super accessible one for me! For the rest of the ingredients, I add what I have on hand. This is one of my go-to packed lunches I make for myself -- for a couple of days at a time.
We substituted 2 cups of asparagus instead of the broccoli, and high school students loved it!