Efficient Gmail Pasta Salad

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

A refreshing, no-cook pasta salad packed with vibrant veggies and a zesty lemon dressing, ideal for a light lunch or dinner. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 25 minutes pairs penne pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced 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 320 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook 8 oz penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta with 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup diced cucumber, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, and 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese.
  3. Step 3: Whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a small bowl until emulsified and smooth.
  4. Step 4: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated and the dressing is absorbed.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Efficient Gmail Pasta Salad take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 Efficient Gmail 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 Efficient Gmail 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 Efficient Gmail 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.

What goes well with Efficient Gmail Pasta Salad?

Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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