Smiley Face Pasta Salad
A vibrant, emoji-inspired pasta salad with zesty lemon dressing and rainbow vegetables arranged in a cheerful smile. This italian-inspired salads (vegetarian, gluten-free) 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 220 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
- 8 oz pasta shells
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup, diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup, diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped red onion
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh dill
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook 8 oz pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking, then set aside.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp honey, and 1/4 tsp salt until emulsified. Set aside.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup diced cucumber, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, and 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion. Add the cooked pasta and the vinaigrette, then toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill and serve chilled.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smiley Face 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 Smiley Face 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 pasta shells from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Smiley Face 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 Smiley Face Pasta Salad 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 Smiley Face Pasta Salad vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 10-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
