Laughing Pasta Salad with Herb Vinaigrette

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

A playful pasta salad with crisp veggies, tangy dressing, and a burst of fresh herbs for a dish that’s impossible not to smile about. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegan) ready in about 23 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 240 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.

★ 4.1 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 8 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 240 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook 12 oz penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, and 1 tsp honey until emulsified.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine drained pasta, 1 pint halved cherry tomatoes, 1 diced medium cucumber, and 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion.
  4. Step 4: Pour dressing over pasta mixture and toss gently. Fold in 1/4 cup chopped basil and 2 tbsp chopped parsley until evenly distributed.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Laughing Pasta Salad with Herb Vinaigrette take to make?

Total time is about 23 minutes (15 min prep + 8 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 Laughing Pasta Salad with Herb Vinaigrette?

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 Laughing Pasta Salad with Herb Vinaigrette?

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 Laughing Pasta Salad with Herb Vinaigrette 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 Laughing Pasta Salad with Herb Vinaigrette 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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