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)

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
Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
Plate of red potatoes with grated parmesan cheese.

Parmesan Roasted Potatoes

Hearty and satisfying potatoes roasted to perfection and topped with rich and tangy parmesan cheese.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
3 cups
Leek and Mushroom Orzo
Medium bowl of a saucy orzo dish with vegetables.

Leek and Mushroom Orzo

A creamy Italian-style pasta dish that makes the perfect side to your favorite roasted or grilled protein.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
4 Cups
Fruity French Toast Casserole
Baking dish with a layer of bread cubes, peaches and a crumbly topping.

Fruity French Toast Casserole

A baked version of French toast with your favorite fruit. Ready in about an hour!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
8 Cups
Tropical Smoothie
Glass filled with a thick smoothie.

Tropical Smoothie

A cold and refreshing drink with sweet pineapple and creamy banana.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
5 cups
Roasted Onions
Caramelized onion quarters on a baking sheet.

Roasted Onions

Tender roasted onions with a mild sweet flavor.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
2 Cups
Was this page helpful to you?
CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.