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)

Slow Cooker Black Bean, Sweet Potato and Quinoa Chili
Colorful bowls of thick chili served with green onion.

Slow Cooker Black Bean, Sweet Potato and Quinoa Chili

This simple-to-make and healthy slow cooker chili is full of flavor. Substitute any vegetables you have on hand and freeze extras for an easy lunch.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
2 to 6 hours
Makes:
12 cups
High Protein Banana Split
Small bowls of yogurt topped with a cereal and a colorful fruit combination.

High Protein Banana Split

A protein-packed breakfast or snack recipe. Bananas are topped with Greek yogurt, cereal, fruit and honey.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
2 servings
Strawberry Kiwi Flavored Water
Glasses of water with strawberry and kiwi slices.

Strawberry Kiwi Flavored Water

A delicious way to flavor your water!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Pickled Cabbage Slaw
Shallow bowl of pickled cabbage and sliced vegetables.

Pickled Cabbage Slaw

Enjoy with pupusas, tacos, quesadillas or grilled fish.
Prepare:
30 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Red Wine Vinaigrette
Jar of vinaigrette dressing served on a salad.

Red Wine Vinaigrette

A combination of Italian spices, bright vinegar and tangy mustard makes a dressing to use in a variety of dishes.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
½ cup
Festive Tortillas
Bright multicolored tortillas served next to shredded cheese and salsa.

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
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.