Census Multilingual Pasta Salad
A refreshing blend of Mediterranean herbs, Asian-inspired vegetables, and zesty lemon-tahini dressing, perfect for a light lunch or picnic side dish. This mediterranean-asian fusion-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs penne pasta, cucumber, cherry tomatoes 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 380 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
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1/2 cup cucumber
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup red onion
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup fresh mint
- 1/4 cup chickpeas
- 1/4 cup feta cheese
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook 8 oz penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and let cool completely.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup diced cucumber, 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, 1/4 cup chopped mint, 1/4 cup drained chickpeas, and 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese. Toss gently to mix.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp tahini, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until smooth and emulsified.
- Step 4: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until every ingredient is evenly coated. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Census Multilingual Pasta Salad take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (25 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 Census Multilingual 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 Census Multilingual 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 Census Multilingual 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.
Is Census Multilingual Pasta Salad 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
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better salads dishes though.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
