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)

Vegetable and Rice Skillet Meal
Plate of rice and bean mix with vegetables.

Vegetable and Rice Skillet Meal

Warm spices of cumin, turmeric and ginger combined with hearty potatoes and fresh veggies.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
8 cups
Fruit and Nut Slaw
Colorful, crunchy vegetable mix in a large bowl.

Fruit and Nut Slaw

This fresh salad is the perfect combination of fresh veggies and sweet and savory toppings.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Makes:
8 cups
Whole-Wheat Zucchini Bread
Slices of moist zucchini bread.

Whole-Wheat Zucchini Bread

A warm and tasty sweet treat that’s packed with veggies, warm cinnamon and crunchy nuts.
Prepare:
15 to 20 minutes
Cook:
45 to 60 minutes
Makes:
16 slices
Banana Oatmeal Muffins
Muffins with golden brown tops and moist texture.

Banana Oatmeal Muffins

Easy make-ahead breakfast or snack with banana and whole grains.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
12 Muffins
Baked Tofu
Marinated tofu cubes are baked and combined with stir-fry vegetables and shown over bowls of brown rice.

Baked Tofu

Choose your marinade for a simple and delicious way to prep baked tofu.
Prepare:
1 hour
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
3 Cups
Sesame Turnips and Carrots
Bowls of cubed turnips and carrots with sauce.

Sesame Turnips and Carrots

Hearty root vegetables with a sweet and savory honey sesame sauce.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
3 Cups
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.