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)

Butternut Squash and Chile Pan-Fry
Bowl of seasoned butternut squash topped with shredded cheese.

Butternut Squash and Chile Pan-Fry

This simple and tasty recipe using butternut squash will be a hit with everyone. Enjoy as a side or a filling for quesadillas, tacos, enchiladas or tamales.
Prepare:
30 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
7 Cups
Kiwi Pineapple Slaw
Mix of kiwi with vegetables in a large bowl.

Kiwi Pineapple Slaw

A sweet and savory salad that is creamy, crunchy and perfect for a summer picnic.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Green Beans with Onions and Almonds
Oval serving dish with tender green beans and toppings.

Green Beans with Onions and Almonds

A healthy vegetable side dish that combines sweet, savory, crunchy and tangy.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Atole with Oats
cup of Atole with Oats

Atole with Oats

If you like oatmeal and cinnamon, try this variation of a traditional Mexican warm drink.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
15 to 20 minutes
Makes:
2 servings
Overnight Oatmeal
Ceramic bowl with creamy oatmeal topped with raspberries and blueberries.

Overnight Oatmeal

Quick and easy make-ahead breakfast recipe that can be easily customized with your favorite fruit.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
6-12 hours
Makes:
4 cups
Roasted Tomatoes
Roasted tomato halves and herbs with a small amount of liquid in the bottom of the baking dish.

Roasted Tomatoes

Rich and flavorful roasted tomatoes with garlic and your favorite fresh or dried herbs.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 to 45 minutes
Makes:
2 ½ to 3 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.