Skip to main content

Summer Vegetable and Pasta Salad

Crisp vegetables, hearty whole-wheat pasta and Italian dressing make the perfect summer pasta salad.
Big bowl of spiral pasta with vegetables.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Makes: 6 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

3 cups uncooked whole-wheat pasta
1 cup chopped broccoli
1 cup diced cucumber
1 cup sliced summer squash
¾ cup Italian salad dressing

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Rinse fresh vegetables under running water before preparing.
  3. Cook pasta according to package directions. Rinse with cold water. Place in large bowl.
  4. Add remaining ingredients and mix well.
  5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • Use any colorful vegetables you have on hand. Try carrots, cherry tomatoes or green onions.
  • Flavor boosters: 1 cup diced cooked chicken or ham, or 1 cup garbanzo beans.
  • Try Food Hero Red Wine Vinaigrette for the dressing.

Comments

I love this recipe. The summer squash is the key in making this dish refreshing while still remaining filling. Instead of a vinaigrette, I used some pesto I had on hand, and I really liked it. if I was going to make this again with pesto, though, I would add a bit of lemon as I was missing that kick the vinaigrette was meant to give. 

This is great! Try it with low-fat salad dressing!

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Platter of tender brussels sprout halves.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Sweet, nutty and smokey with a dash of tangy lemon.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
6 Cups
Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Plate of pasta shells filled with pumpkin and cheese filling over red pasta sauce.

Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells

A rich, creamy recipe that combines fall flavors with satisfying pasta.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
12 Filled Shells
My Personal Pizza
Platter of English muffins with red sauce, vegetables and melted cheese.

My Personal Pizza

Kids of all ages will have fun topping their own pizzas.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
1 pizza
Fruity French Toast Casserole
Baking dish with a layer of bread cubes, peaches and a crumbly topping.

Fruity French Toast Casserole

A baked version of French toast with your favorite fruit. Ready in about an hour!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
8 Cups
Peanut Sauce
Bowl of Peanut Sauce shown with bowls of raw vegetables for dipping.

Peanut Sauce

This smooth and nutty sauce is so easy to make. It adds savory flavor to grilled chicken and meats, noodle dishes, stir-fries and grain bowls. It's even delicious as a dip for raw vegetables.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
about ½ cup
Chicken and Pear Salad
Bowl of pear salad with a creamy dressing and raisins.

Chicken and Pear Salad

A creamy, crunchy, sweet and savory salad that is quick and easy to make.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
2 ½ Cups
Was this page helpful to you?
CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.