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...
Fresh Veggie Pizza

Fresh Veggie Pizza
A fun version of pizza on English muffins, with cream cheese, fresh veggies and tangy parmesan. A great meal to make with the whole family!
Prepare:
10 to 15 minutes
Makes:
8 muffin halves
Harissa Roasted Butternut Squash

Harissa Roasted Butternut Squash
Thanks to Chef Nephi Craig for this beautiful recipe for seasoned squash sprinkled with seeds, nuts and herbs.
Prepare:
25 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Tofu Scramble

Tofu Scramble
Serve this easy tofu scramble with fruit and whole-grain toast for a satisfying and balanced meal.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
5 Cups
Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry
Quick dinner idea combining crisp-tender veggies with ginger, garlic and soy sauce. You can change the veggies and proteins to fit what you have on hand.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
6 Cups
Savory Yogurt Dip

Savory Yogurt Dip
A thick and creamy herbed yogurt dip that is great on wraps or for dipping veggies and pita.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
½ cup
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
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!