Crisp vegetables, hearty whole-wheat pasta and Italian dressing make the perfect summer pasta salad.
Summer Vegetable and Pasta Salad
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
- Wash hands with soap and water.
- Rinse fresh vegetables under running water before preparing.
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Rinse with cold water. Place in large bowl.
- Add remaining ingredients and mix well.
- 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.
You might also like...
Ginger Almond Asparagus
Ginger Almond Asparagus
A healthy vegetable side dish that combines sauteed asparagus with crunchy almonds.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
2 Cups
Turnip Pancakes
Turnip Pancakes
Root vegetables are grated, battered cooked in a skillet until golden and crispy.
Prepare:
30 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
12 pancakes
Pear and Cranberry Crisp
Pear and Cranberry Crisp
Whole grain oats, warm brown sugar and sweet fruit make this a flavorful treat for breakfast or dessert.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
4 Cups
Herb Flavored Water
Herb Flavored Water
Create your own herb-flavored water recipe for refreshing hydration.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Fruity French Toast Casserole
Fruity French Toast Casserole
A baked version of French toast with your favorite fruit. Ready in about an hour!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
8 Cups
Meatball Soup
Meatball Soup
A hearty meatball soup loaded with veggies, Italian herbs and flavorful broth.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
9 cups

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!