Herb-Infused Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes

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

A vibrant, chilled pasta salad featuring al dente pasta tossed with fresh herbs, sweet cherry tomatoes, and a bright lemon-herb dressing. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 30 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 350 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.

★ 4.3 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of salted water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 8 oz penne pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved), 1/2 cup diced cucumber, 1/4 cup chopped basil, and 1/4 cup chopped parsley.
  3. Step 3: Whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp honey, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper to create the dressing.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained pasta to the bowl with vegetables and herbs, then pour the dressing over and toss gently until evenly coated.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Herb-Infused Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes 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 Herb-Infused 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 Herb-Infused 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 Herb-Infused Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes 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 Herb-Infused Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes?

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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