Traveler's Pasta Salad
A refreshing no-cook salad with lemon dressing, perfect for picnics or quick lunches on the go. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 15 minutes pairs Penne pasta, Cherry tomatoes, Cucumber for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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 Cucumber
- 1/4 cup Red onion
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/8 tsp Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Fresh basil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 8 oz cooked penne pasta, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup diced cucumber, and 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion.
- Step 2: Whisk together 2 tbsp lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper in a small bowl.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until evenly coated.
- Step 4: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld, then sprinkle with 2 tbsp fresh basil before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Traveler's Pasta Salad take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 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 Traveler's 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 Traveler's 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 Traveler's 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 Traveler's Pasta Salad?
Italian pasta 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
- ★★★★★
Loved the fresh veggies and the tangy vinaigrette. Will make again for travel.
- ★★★★★
This pasta salad was a hit at our family picnic. The dressing was perfect and kept well.
- ★★★★☆
Easy to make and perfect for lunch boxes. Great flavor!
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