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)

Banana Ginger Sauce
A bowl of banana ginger sauce is shown with raw veggie strips and grilled tofu kebabs for dipping.

Banana Ginger Sauce

Inspired by banana ketchup, a condiment from the Philippines, this sweet and tangy sauce is the perfect addition to many dishes!
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
1 cup
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
Ham and Vegetable Chowder
Small bowls of potato and ham soup with shredded cheese.

Ham and Vegetable Chowder

A hearty and comforting soup that is perfect for the cold weather.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
10 cups
Sesame Broccoli
Bowl of tender broccoli sprinkled with sesame seeds.

Sesame Broccoli

Sauteed broccoli with a savory sesame sauce. Ready in 30 minutes or less!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Carrot, Jicama and Orange Salad
Photo of Carrot, Jicama and Orange Salad

Carrot, Jicama and Orange Salad

Fresh and colorful salad with a tangy homemade dressing!
Prepare:
20 minutes
Makes:
4 Cups
Cheesy Beef Pasta
Photo of Cheesy Beef Pasta

Cheesy Beef Pasta

This kid-approved recipe combines tomato sauce, fresh zucchini and Italian herbs for the perfect weeknight meal in under an hour!
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
8 Cups