Herb-Infused Spring Pasta Salad

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

A refreshing pasta salad combining zesty lemon, fresh herbs, and crisp spring vegetables. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegan) ready in about 25 minutes pairs Pasta, Cucumber, Red onion 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 200 calories and feeds 6, 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 (14 ratings) Prep: 25 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 200 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook 12 oz pasta according to package instructions, then drain and toss with 1 tsp salt to coat.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup diced cucumber, 1/2 cup diced red onion, 1/4 cup chopped mint, and 1/4 cup chopped parsley.
  3. Step 3: In a small jar, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
  4. Step 4: Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss until evenly coated, ensuring each strand of pasta has a vibrant citrus-herb glaze.
  5. Step 5: Chill for 10 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld and the pasta to firm up.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Herb-Infused Spring Pasta Salad take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (25 min prep + 0 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 Spring 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 pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Infused Spring 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 Herb-Infused Spring Pasta Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Herb-Infused Spring Pasta Salad vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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