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)

Honey Mustard Dressing
Bottle of dressing displayed with a salad.

Honey Mustard Dressing

This homemade yogurt-based honey mustard dressing is sweet and tangy!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
12 tablespoons
Garlic Ginger Ramen with Beef
Bowl of ramen noodles and vegetables shown with a renge spoon.

Garlic Ginger Ramen with Beef

A dinner that is ready in under 30 minutes and packed with fresh ginger and garlic flavor.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
6 Cups
One-Pan Spaghetti
Big bowl of spaghetti topped with grated parmesan cheese.

One-Pan Spaghetti

Spaghetti ingredients simmer together in one pot for a simple and tasty meal.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
10 cups
Stir-Fry Noodles with Peanut Sauce
Plate of stir-fried noodles with chicken and vegetables.

Stir-Fry Noodles with Peanut Sauce

Make your own stir fry ramen noodles with chicken, vegetables and a creamy peanut sauce.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
10 cups
Farmers Market Salsa
Colorful vegetable bean salsa.

Farmers Market Salsa

Fresh homemade salsa with the perfect hint of spice and lime.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Baked Apple and Cranberries
Four cored apples filled with cranberries, butter and brown sugar are baked, broiled and displayed on a serving plate.

Baked Apple and Cranberries

Warm apples and cinnamon combined with sweet-tart cranberries make this flavorful low-sugar dessert!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
5 minutes
Makes:
1 Apple