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)

Stovetop Buckwheat
Bowls of cooked buckwheat.

Stovetop Buckwheat

This nutrient-rich grain has an earthy and slightly nutty with a chewy texture.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
15 to 20 minutes
Makes:
3 cups
Zucchini Pizza Boats
Plate of baked zucchini halves filled with red sauce and melted cheese.

Zucchini Pizza Boats

Simple 4-ingredient meal topped with warm marinara and melted cheese!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
6 small zucchini halves
Stovetop Creamy Grits
Bowls of fine textured corn grits.

Stovetop Creamy Grits

Classic creamy corn grits with a mild taste.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
25 minutes
Makes:
4 servings
Ginger Almond Asparagus
Sauteed asparagus slices with slivered almonds in a small bowl.

Ginger Almond Asparagus

A healthy vegetable side dish idea combines delicious sauteed asparagus with the perfect crunch of almonds.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
2 Cups
Drinkable Yogurt
Sundae glass of yogurt and orange juice mix.

Drinkable Yogurt

A simple 2-ingredient snack made with yogurt and your favorite fruit juice.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
1 Cup
Chicken Mole
Chicken with a thick, savory sauce sprinkled with sesame seeds and served with rice and broccoli on a plate.

Chicken Mole

A flavorful chicken recipe with a rich and smoky sauce.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
7 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.