Confetti Veggie Pasta Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing
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.
Ingredients
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 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
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook 2 cups penne pasta according to package directions until al dente, then rinse under cold water and drain thoroughly.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 5: Refrigerate for 30 minutes to let flavors meld, then check for seasoning—adjust salt or pepper if needed before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★★
Quick to prep and the results are amazing. A real keeper.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better salads dishes though.
