Skip to main content

Tomato Pasta Salad

Great make ahead-meal with fresh veggies, Italian herbs and a tangy dressing.
Kid friendly
Bowls of colorful spiral pasta with olives and broccoli.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Makes: 6 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

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

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Rinse fresh vegetables under running water before preparing.
  3. Combine the cooked pasta, tomatoes, broccoli and black olives together in a bowl.
  4. Add the herbs, cheese and salad dressing. Stir together and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  5. 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.

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! 

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Vegetable and Rice Skillet Meal
Plate of rice and bean mix with vegetables.

Vegetable and Rice Skillet Meal

Warm spices of cumin, turmeric and ginger combined with hearty potatoes and fresh veggies.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
8 cups
Plant Part Salad
Wooden bowl filled with a variety of raw vegetables.

Plant Part Salad

Kids learn the parts of a plant and how to make a tasty salad with this recipe.
Prepare:
15 to 20 minutes
Makes:
12 cups
Veggie and Egg Rice
Bowl of rice, egg and vegetable mix.

Veggie and Egg Rice

Enjoy this filling, fresh and healthy recipe that is ready in 30 minutes.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
8 Cups
Atole
cup of atole

Atole

This version of a traditional Mexican drink made with corn flour is warm and satisfying.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
30 to 40 minutes
Makes:
2 servings
Mashed Parsnips and Potatoes
Bowl of seasoned and mashed parsnip and potato.

Mashed Parsnips and Potatoes

Hearty, buttery root vegetables mashed with creamy yogurt and seasoned with garlic.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
25 minutes
Makes:
3 cups
Mix and Match Stir-Fry
Two bowls with rice and a variety of stir-fried vegetables.

Mix and Match Stir-Fry

Stir-fries are the perfect easy weeknight meal!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
4 Servings