Sneakers Pasta Salad
A vibrant, quick pasta salad with colorful vegetables and a tangy dressing, ideal for a light lunch like a fresh pair of sneakers. This italian-inspired salads ready in about 25 minutes pairs penne pasta, cherry tomatoes, mixed bell peppers 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.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup mixed bell peppers
- 1/2 cup cucumber
- 1/4 cup red onion
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook 8 oz penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 10 minutes; drain and rinse under cold water until completely cool.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cooled penne, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup diced mixed bell peppers, 1/2 cup diced cucumber, and 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 4: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad, toss gently until evenly coated, and sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil just before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sneakers Pasta Salad take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 Sneakers 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 Sneakers 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 Sneakers 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.
What goes well with Sneakers Pasta Salad?
Italian salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The step-by-step instructions were super clear. Turned out perfect on my first try.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
