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...
Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti Squash
Learn how to bake or microwave spaghetti squash, then top with your favorite sauces or seasonings!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Kitchen Scraps Vegetable Broth
Kitchen Scraps Vegetable Broth
Use leftover veggie scraps to make a delicious broth to use in soups or cooking beans and grains!
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
40 minutes
Makes:
6 to 12 cups
Pineapple Carrot Protein Smoothie
Pineapple Carrot Protein Smoothie
Enjoy this high-protein smoothie for a quick meal or to re-fuel after exercise. Make it your own with different fruits and vegetables.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
1 ½ cups
Banana Oatmeal Bread
Banana Oatmeal Bread
A moist and healthy banana bread that is perfect any time of day.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
45 to 50 minutes
Makes:
12 slices
Creole Seasoning
Creole Seasoning
Add savory flavor to your favorite vegetables, grains, meats, fish, seafood, poultry, soups and stews!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
about ½ cup
Fish Stew
Fish Stew
This stew boasts a flavorful broth to complement your favorite white fish. Serve with whole grain bread for a satisfying meal.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
6 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!