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)

Baked Bean Medley
A mixture of seasoned beans and bacon is shown in a serving bowl.

Baked Bean Medley

Enjoy this delicious mix of beans and a savory sauce, baked to blend the lightly sweet and salty flavors.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
1 and ½ hours
Makes:
8 Cups
Banana Ginger Sauce
A bowl of banana ginger sauce is shown with raw veggie strips and grilled tofu kebabs for dipping.

Banana Ginger Sauce

Inspired by banana ketchup, a condiment from the Philippines, this sweet and tangy sauce is the perfect addition to many dishes!
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
1 cup
Glazed Carrots and Snow Peas
Baby carrots and snow peas on a plate with rice and fish. Baby carrots and snow peas on a plate with rice and fish.

Glazed Carrots and Snow Peas

Bright spring veggies with a warm brown sugar glaze.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
3 cups
Spicy Rice and Ground Beef Casserole
Casserole dish with rice, beef and vegetables with melted cheddar cheese.

Spicy Rice and Ground Beef Casserole

A hearty and tasty dish that combines rice, lean ground beef, southwest-style veggies and creamy cheddar cheese.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
8 cups
Spinach Pasta Salad
Bowl of a mix of macaroni noodles, spinach, oranges and dried cranberries.

Spinach Pasta Salad

This fun and delicious pasta salad recipe combines fresh veggies, crunchy seeds, tangy fruit and tender pasta with a savory teriyaki dressing.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
5 cups
Cabbage Stir-Fry
Photo of Cabbage Stir-Fry

Cabbage Stir-Fry

Quick and easy lunch or dinner option packed with veggies and ready in 30 minutes!
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
5 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.