Planner Pasta Salad
A vibrant, organized pasta salad with layered fresh vegetables and a tangy lemon-herb dressing, ideal for meal-prep enthusiasts who love balanced, colorful meals. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 25 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 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup, diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup, diced (mixed colors) bell peppers
- 1/4 cup, finely diced red onion
- 1/4 cup, sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup, crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook 12 oz penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for 10 minutes until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine drained pasta, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup diced cucumber, 1/2 cup diced bell peppers, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, and 1/4 cup sliced black olives.
- Step 3: Whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a small bowl to make the dressing.
- Step 4: Pour dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese and toss once more to distribute.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Planner Pasta Salad take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 Planner 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 Planner 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 Planner 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 Planner 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
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
