Google Docs-Style Organized Pasta Salad
A crisp, refreshing pasta salad with vibrant vegetables and a zesty dressing, perfectly organized using a Google Docs-style template for meal prep. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs whole wheat pasta, pint, halved cherry tomatoes, small, thinly sliced red onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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
- 12 oz whole wheat pasta
- 1 pint, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 small, thinly sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup, sliced kalamata olives
- 1 cup, cubed fresh mozzarella
- 1/4 cup, chopped basil leaves
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and toss with 1 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives, mozzarella, and basil. Toss gently to mix.
- Step 3: Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl to make the dressing.
- Step 4: Pour the dressing over the salad and stir until evenly coated. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
- Step 5: Garnish with additional basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil just before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Google Docs-Style Organized Pasta Salad take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (20 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 Google Docs-Style Organized 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 whole wheat pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Google Docs-Style Organized 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 Google Docs-Style Organized 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.
Is Google Docs-Style Organized Pasta Salad 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
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
