Puppy Paws Pasta Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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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.

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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