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...
Raspberry Oatmeal Bars
Raspberry Oatmeal Bars
Sweet-tart raspberries, whole grain oats and a buttery crust make the perfect dessert or snack.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
12 Bars (2 inches x 2.5 inches)
Cowboy Salad
Cowboy Salad
A simple, tasty salad that is ready in under 20 minutes. Perfect for BBQs, potluck dinners or as a side dish any time of year.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Makes:
8 cups
Three Sisters Soup
Three Sisters Soup
Warm and comforting easy-to-make soup with squash, beans and a savory broth.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
8 Cups
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
24 popsicles
Overnight Oatmeal
Overnight Oatmeal
Quick and easy make-ahead breakfast recipe that can be easily customized with your favorite fruit.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
6-12 hours
Makes:
4 cups
Smashed Garbanzo Bean Salad
Smashed Garbanzo Bean Salad
Garbanzo beans and crunchy vegetables make a delicious sandwich filling or chunky dip.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Makes:
3 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!