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)

Cheesy Polenta Pie
Photo of Cheesy Polenta Pie

Cheesy Polenta Pie

Dinner in an hour! This quick recipe can be easily customized to meet everyone's taste preferences.
Prepare:
30 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
12 Cups
Brown Rice with Corn and Beans
A seasoned mix of brown rice, black beans and corn is shown in a serving bowl.

Brown Rice with Corn and Beans

This kid-approved recipe filled with whole grains, veggies and beans is flavorful, filling and perfect for any meal.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
3 cups
Vegetarian Chili
Bowl of chili topped with shredded cheddar cheese.

Vegetarian Chili

This kid-approved recipe is packed with veggies and beans, then topped with cheese.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
8 cups
Winter Fruit Crisp
Plate of baked sliced apples with a sweet granola topping.

Winter Fruit Crisp

Quick and easy fruit treat with warm buttery oats, sweetened with brown sugar.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
8 Bars (4 inches x 2 inches)
Perfect Hard-Cooked Eggs
Plate of hard-cooked egg halves.

Perfect Hard-Cooked Eggs

Make the perfect hard-cooked eggs with this recipe. Keep coked eggs on hand for salads, sandwiches or eating alone as a protein-rich snack.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
1 Servings
High Protein Banana Split
Small bowls of yogurt topped with a cereal and a colorful fruit combination.

High Protein Banana Split

A protein-packed breakfast or snack recipe. Bananas are topped with Greek yogurt, cereal, fruit and honey.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
2 servings
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.