AirVenture Pasta Salad
A vibrant cold pasta salad featuring garden vegetables and a bright lemon-herb dressing, ideal for a light summer meal. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 30 minutes pairs penne pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup cucumber
- 1/4 cup red onion
- 1/4 cup black olives
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp red wine vinegar, 2 tbsp olive oil, and 1 tbsp Dijon mustard until fully emulsified.
- Step 3: Add the drained pasta, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup diced cucumber, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, and 1/4 cup sliced black olives to the bowl. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with dressing.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, then season with salt and black pepper to taste. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Frequently asked questions
How long does AirVenture Pasta Salad take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover AirVenture Pasta Salad?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in AirVenture Pasta Salad?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale AirVenture Pasta Salad for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with AirVenture Pasta Salad?
Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved how easy it was to make and how much my family enjoyed it. The feta and olives really shine.
- ★★★★★
This pasta salad is a game-changer! The flavors are bright and fresh, and it's perfect for summer picnics.
- ★★★★☆
Great recipe, but the dressing was a bit too lemony for my taste. Still, it's a solid 4 stars.
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