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)

Vegetarian Chili
Bowl of chili topped with shredded cheddar cheese.

Vegetarian Chili

This kid-approved recipe is packed with veggies and beans, then topped with cheese.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
8 cups
Salsa Roja
Bowl of textured tomato salsa.

Salsa Roja

This fresh and spicy red salsa can be used with a variety of dishes including tacos and enchiladas and for dipping most anything.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
25 minutes
Makes:
1 ½ cups
Mashed Carrots
Small bowl of Mashed Carrots.

Mashed Carrots

A sweet and earthy recipe that uses fresh, canned or frozen carrots.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
2 ½ cups
Stovetop Kamut
Cooked kamut in bowls.

Stovetop Kamut

This nutrient-rich grain has a rich, nutty flavor with a chewy, firm texture.
Prepare:
8 hours
Cook:
60 minutes
Makes:
2 ½ to 3 cups
Mix and Match Salad
Recipe Image for Mix and Match Salad - Strawberry Cucumber Salad

Mix and Match Salad

Stay hydrated with fruits and vegetables that are full of water, flavor and nutrients.
Makes:
1 or 2 servings
Black Bean Soup
A bowl of warming soup with black beans and vegetables, garnished with herbs.

Black Bean Soup

A simple soup with black beans, tomatoes, herbs and a hint of lime. One-pot meal ready in an hour!
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
12 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.