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)

Rice with Black Beans and Sausage
Large dish of a simple rice, sausage and vegetable mix.

Rice with Black Beans and Sausage

A comforting dish of filling grains, tender beans and spicy sausage.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
8 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
Peanut Protein Smoothie for Two
Glasses of creamy smoothies.

Peanut Protein Smoothie for Two

Creamy and satisfying protein-packed smoothie perfect for breakfast and on-the-go.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
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
Broccoli Raisin Salad
A bowl is filled with crunchy salad featuring broccoli, raisins and sunflower seeds.

Broccoli Raisin Salad

A quick and delicious salad that will be a hit at home or at a party.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Makes:
6 Cups
Whole-Wheat Quick Bread
Photo of Whole Wheat Quick Bread

Whole-Wheat Quick Bread

This warm and comforting whole wheat bread is ready in about an hour.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
16 pieces