Band Name Pasta Salad with Herb Vinaigrette
A vibrant pasta salad featuring a medley of Italian herbs and garden vegetables, dressed in a zesty vinaigrette inspired by the rhythmic energy of a band's live performance. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 37 minutes pairs penne pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, medium, diced 1/4-inch 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 6, 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, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 medium, diced 1/4-inch cucumber
- 1/2 cup, thinly sliced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup, pitted and halved kalamata olives
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped fresh basil
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped fresh parsley
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove, minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook 12 oz penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking, then spread on a baking sheet to cool completely.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, combine cooled penne, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 medium diced cucumber, 1/2 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper, and 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives.
- Step 4: Pour the vinaigrette over the pasta mixture and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated. Fold in 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil and 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley.
- Step 5: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Band Name Pasta Salad with Herb Vinaigrette take to make?
Total time is about 37 minutes (25 min prep + 12 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 Band Name Pasta Salad with Herb Vinaigrette?
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 Band Name Pasta Salad with Herb Vinaigrette?
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 Band Name Pasta Salad with Herb Vinaigrette for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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.
Is Band Name Pasta Salad with Herb Vinaigrette vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Love how the Mediterranean come through in every bite.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
