Puppy Paws Pasta Salad

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, protein-packed salad with garden-fresh veggies and a lemon-herb dressing that’s perfect for picnics or lunchboxes. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) 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.

★ 4.2 (14 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook 8 oz penne pasta in salted boiling water for 10 minutes until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cools, dice 1/2 cup cucumber and 1/4 cup red onion, then halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, and 1 tbsp fresh dill until emulsified.
  4. Step 4: Add cooled pasta, diced vegetables, and 1/2 cup crumbled feta to the dressing, tossing gently until evenly coated and the salad is chilled.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Puppy Paws Pasta Salad 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 Puppy Paws 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 Puppy Paws 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 Puppy Paws 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 Puppy Paws 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.

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