Confetti Veggie Pasta Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant Mediterranean-style pasta salad bursting with colorful vegetables and a zesty lemon-herb dressing, perfect for a light lunch that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 25 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 280 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.

Prep: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook 2 cups penne pasta according to package directions until al dente, then rinse under cold water and drain thoroughly.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup diced cucumber, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/2 cup diced yellow bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil.
  3. Step 3: Whisk 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a small bowl until emulsified and glossy.
  4. Step 4: Add the cooked pasta to the vegetable mixture, then pour the dressing over and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated and the salad looks vibrantly mixed.
  5. Step 5: Refrigerate for 30 minutes to let flavors meld, then check for seasoning—adjust salt or pepper if needed before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Confetti Veggie Pasta Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (25 min prep + 0 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Confetti Veggie Pasta Salad with Lemon-Herb 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 Confetti Veggie Pasta Salad with Lemon-Herb 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 Confetti Veggie Pasta Salad with Lemon-Herb 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 Confetti Veggie Pasta Salad with Lemon-Herb 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

Related recipes