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...
Stovetop Oatmeal

Stovetop Oatmeal
Quick and simple oatmeal recipe. Add your favorite toppings and seasonings.
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Pomegranate Smoothie

Pomegranate Smoothie
This beautiful smoothie combines sparkling pomegranate seeds with other fruits and vegetables for a nutritious drink.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
3 cups
Butternut Squash and Chile Pan-Fry

Butternut Squash and Chile Pan-Fry
This simple and tasty recipe using butternut squash will be a hit with everyone. Enjoy as a side or a filling for quesadillas, tacos, enchiladas or tamales.
Prepare:
30 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
7 Cups
Peach Cooler

Peach Cooler
A cool, creamy and refreshing drink. Try it on a hot day or as part of a quick and easy breakfast.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

Chicken and Dumpling Casserole
Simple yet comforting dumplings with chicken and vegetables are ready in less than an hour!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
8 Cups
Tuna Pasta Salad

Tuna Pasta Salad
A perfect dish for any gathering, with macaroni, fresh veggies and a creamy dressing.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
6 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!