Band-Style Pasta Salad with Lemon-Cilantro Dressing
A zesty, herb-packed pasta salad featuring short-ingredient bursts of flavor inspired by the musical roots of the gig economy. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes blends penne pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup, diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup, crumbled feta cheese
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook 8 oz penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for 10 minutes until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine cooled penne, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, and 1/2 cup diced cucumber. Add 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese and toss to distribute.
- Step 3: Whisk 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tsp dried oregano in a small bowl, then pour over the salad. Toss until evenly coated, then fold in 2 tbsp chopped parsley before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Band-Style Pasta Salad with Lemon-Cilantro Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Band-Style Pasta Salad with Lemon-Cilantro Dressing?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Band-Style Pasta Salad with Lemon-Cilantro Dressing?
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-Style Pasta Salad with Lemon-Cilantro Dressing 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.
Is Band-Style Pasta Salad with Lemon-Cilantro Dressing 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
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.
