Tossed Pasta Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette and Cherry Tomatoes

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

A vibrant summer salad featuring al dente pasta, sweet tomatoes, and a bright citrus dressing. This american-inspired salads ready in about 30 minutes pairs ounces penne pasta, (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 300 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 American cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook 8 ounces penne pasta in salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and spread on a baking sheet to cool completely.
  2. Step 2: Whisk 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine cooled 8 ounces penne pasta, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup diced cucumber, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, and 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil. Pour vinaigrette over and toss gently until evenly coated.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Tossed Pasta Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette and Cherry Tomatoes 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 Tossed Pasta Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette and Cherry Tomatoes?

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 ounces penne pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tossed Pasta Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette and Cherry Tomatoes?

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 Tossed Pasta Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette and Cherry Tomatoes 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 Tossed Pasta Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette and Cherry Tomatoes?

American 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.

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