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...
Peach Yogurt Smoothie
Peach Yogurt Smoothie
A sweet, creamy and refreshing smoothie that makes a wonderful breakfast or afternoon treat.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
3 cups
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
2 ½ cups
Banana Bobs
Banana Bobs
Easy snack or dessert with creamy yogurt, banana and whole-grain oats. A fun and creative recipe for kids!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
2 Servings
Whole-Wheat Bread in a Bag
Whole-Wheat Bread in a Bag
Enjoy this fun and unique way to make warm whole-wheat yeast bread. Kids will love mixing and kneading the dough in a bag.
Prepare:
2 ½ to 3 hours
Cook:
30 to 40 minutes
Makes:
16 slices
Maple Glazed Turnips
Maple Glazed Turnips
A warm and flavorful dish that combines maple and cinnamon with hearty root vegetables.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
4 Cups
Salsa Chicken
Salsa Chicken
Shredded chicken has never been easier to prepare and have on hand. Make an endless number of go-to meals from two simple ingredients and a slow cooker.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
6 to 8 hours
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!