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)

Peanut Butter Cereal Bars
Platter of oat and peanut butter squares with raisins.

Peanut Butter Cereal Bars

Whole grain oats, peanut butter and dried fruit make a crispy, chewy treat that is great for when you are on-the-go.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
5 minutes
Makes:
16 bars (2x2-inch)
Melon and Mint
Glass bowl of watermelon and honeydew cubes with mint.

Melon and Mint

Fresh and simple fruit salad with mint and lime.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Cilantro Lime Tuna Wrap
Tortillas folded over a creamy vegetable filled tuna mixture with lime wedges on a plate.

Cilantro Lime Tuna Wrap

A light and flavorful meal using canned tuna, fresh veggies and a tangy mayo dressing.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
5 Wraps
Black Bean Soup
A bowl of warming soup with black beans and vegetables, garnished with herbs.

Black Bean Soup

A simple soup with black beans, tomatoes, herbs and a hint of lime. One-pot meal ready in an hour!
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
12 cups
Lentil Soup
Bowl of green lentil soup.

Lentil Soup

A warm and savory lentil soup seasoned with garlic, chili powder, and cumin.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Chicken and Greens Soup
Image of Chicken and Greens Soup

Chicken and Greens Soup

A warming blend of spices with quinoa and vegetables makes this chicken soup comforting and full of nutrients.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
25 minutes
Makes:
6 cups