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 Oatmeal Cups
Plate of Baked Oatmeal Cups

Baked Oatmeal Cups

Oatmeal plus your choice of add-ins are baked into a muffin cup for an on-the-go breakfast or snack.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
12 muffins
Pinto Bean Dip
Bean dip topped with jalapeno peppers served with baby carrots.

Pinto Bean Dip

A quick and easy bean dip that comes together in 5 minutes.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
3 ¼ cups
Potato Wedges
Plate of golden baked potato slices.

Potato Wedges

Seasoned baked potato wedges with a crispy outside and soft inside.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
4 Cups
Pozole with Chicken
Large bowl of pozole soup sprinkled with cilantro.

Pozole with Chicken

Flavorful stew made with hominy, red chile sauce and shredded chicken.
Prepare:
15 to 20 minutes
Cook:
25 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Skillet Corn Chowder
Bowls of creamy corn soup garnished with microgreens.

Skillet Corn Chowder

Only 5 ingredients to make this creamy and comforting chowder.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Quick Brown Bread
Sliced loaf of whole-wheat bread with evenly space air pockets.

Quick Brown Bread

Warm and comforting quick bread with whole wheat flour and a hint of sweet brown sugar.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
50 minutes
Makes:
16 slices