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 Asparagus
Plate of tender asparagus.

Roasted Asparagus

You only need 3 ingredients to make this tender asparagus dish. The perfect side to a variety of meals.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
3 Cups
Tuna Cabbage Salad
Tuna Cabbage Salad served on slices of toast.

Tuna Cabbage Salad

Light and healthy salad with shredded cabbage and a creamy dressing.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Eggplant Omelet (Tortang Talong)
Plate of pan-fried eggplant omelet served with rice.

Eggplant Omelet (Tortang Talong)

A delicious Filipino dish of baked eggplant dipped in egg and cooked in a skillet. Try it for any meal!
Prepare:
20 to 30 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
2 servings
Curried Pumpkin Soup
Bowls of pumpkin mushroom soup garnished with chives.

Curried Pumpkin Soup

A one-pot recipe with creamy pumpkin and warming spices is ready in under an hour.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Kale Salad
Wooden bowl holding a large Kale Salad.

Kale Salad

A simple sweet and savory salad that is a great make-ahead meal.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
10 cups
Orange Rice Salad
Big bowl of a colorful mixture of rice, orange and parsley.

Orange Rice Salad

This flavorful combination of rice, citrus, nuts and raisins makes a popular side dish. Add a protein for a filling and satisfying lunch.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
5 cups