Half-and-Half Pasta Salad
A vibrant salad where pasta is tossed in a balanced dressing made from equal parts olive oil and lemon juice, mixed with garden-fresh vegetables. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 30 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.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1/2 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup, diced cucumber
- 1/4 cup, finely diced red onion
- 1/4 cup, crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook 8 oz penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain, rinse under cold water to cool, and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup diced cucumber, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, and 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste until emulsified and smooth.
- Step 4: Add cooled pasta to the vegetable mixture and toss to combine. Pour dressing over the pasta and vegetables, then toss until evenly coated and the dressing is fully absorbed.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-and-Half 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 Half-and-Half 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 Half-and-Half 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 Half-and-Half 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 Half-and-Half 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
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★★
I've tried many salads recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
