Pixel-Perfect Pasta Salad

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-05 · Updated 2026-04-05

A vibrant, color-blocked pasta salad with zesty lemon dressing, perfect for a refreshing summer lunch that mimics Roblox's pixel art charm. This Mediterranean-inspired salad recipe, 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 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 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup cucumber
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup red onion
• 1/4 cup kalamata olives
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper

The chef’s knife we’d prep this with → Best Chef's Knives for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, add 8 oz penne pasta, and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente; drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup diced cucumber, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, and 1/4 cup sliced kalamata olives.
3. Step 3: Add 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley to the bowl, then whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper; pour over vegetables and toss until evenly coated and glossy.