Rainbow Pasta Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing, colorful pasta salad tossed in a zesty citrus vinaigrette. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs pasta shells, medium, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes 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 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook pasta shells in a large pot of salted boiling water for 9-10 minutes until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and spread on a baking sheet to cool completely.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, and 1 tbsp honey until emulsified.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onion. Pour vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill and 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, folding in carefully so cheese doesn't break into crumbs.
  5. Step 5: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld, then serve chilled.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Rainbow Pasta Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette 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 Rainbow Pasta Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette?

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 pasta shells from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Rainbow Pasta Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette?

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 Rainbow Pasta Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Rainbow Pasta Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette 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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