Ragdoll Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomato 'Bubbles'

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-06 · Updated 2026-04-06

A lively pasta salad featuring colorful cherry tomatoes that pop like bubbles, paired with a bright lemon-herb dressing. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 30 minutes pairs pasta shells, 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 295 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.

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta shells
• 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 cup diced cucumber
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 clove minced garlic
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add 12 oz pasta shells, 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 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup diced cucumber, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil.
3. Step 3: Whisk together 3 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified and smooth.
4. Step 4: Add drained pasta to the tomato mixture, then pour the dressing over and toss gently until evenly coated and all ingredients are coated in the dressing.
5. Step 5: Refrigerate for 1 hour to let flavors meld, then serve chilled as a refreshing side or main course.