Dancing Pasta Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing
A lively pasta salad where colorful vegetables and a bright lemon-herb dressing create a joyful, refreshing meal. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 20 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 250 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 diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook 8 oz penne pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain, rinse under cold water until completely cool, and toss with 1 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine cooled penne, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup diced cucumber, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, and 1/4 cup chopped basil; mix gently.
- Step 3: Whisk 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
- Step 4: Pour dressing over pasta salad and toss until evenly coated; let sit for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Step 5: Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with extra herbs.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Dancing Pasta Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (20 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 Dancing 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 Dancing 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 Dancing 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 Dancing 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
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
