Fun-Filled Pasta Salad with Herb Dressing
Vibrant, mixed-vegetable pasta salad tossed in a creamy herb dressing for a meal that feels like playtime. This mediterranean-inspired salads (mediterranean) ready in about 35 minutes blends penne pasta, 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 315 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 cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook 8 oz penne pasta until al dente (about 8-10 minutes), then drain and rinse under cold water until completely cool.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup diced cucumber, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup fresh parsley, and 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese. Add the cooled penne pasta and toss gently to combine.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified. Pour over the pasta mixture and toss until evenly coated. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Fun-Filled Pasta Salad with Herb Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (25 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Fun-Filled Pasta Salad with 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 Fun-Filled Pasta Salad with 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 Fun-Filled Pasta Salad with 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.
What goes well with Fun-Filled Pasta Salad with Herb Dressing?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
So much better than takeout. We'll never order mediterranean delivery again.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
