Doorstep Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes

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

A refreshing chilled pasta salad featuring sweet cherry tomatoes and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs penne pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber 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 300 calories and feeds 6, 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.

★ 4.2 (15 ratings) Prep: 25 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook 12 oz penne pasta according to package directions until al dente, then rinse under cold water and drain completely.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, and 2 tbsp chopped dill to create a vinaigrette.
  3. Step 3: Add the drained penne, 1 pint halved cherry tomatoes, 1 diced medium cucumber, and 1/4 cup sliced red onion to the bowl. Toss gently until evenly coated, then sprinkle with 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Doorstep Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (25 min prep + 0 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 Doorstep Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes?

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 Doorstep Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes?

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 Doorstep Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Doorstep Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes 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.

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