lunch

Vegan Pasta Salad

A refreshing and vibrant vegan pasta salad packed with colorful vegetables and a tangy dressing, perfect for a quick lunch or picnic.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 10 min
Total Time: 25 min
Servings: 4
Difficulty: easy
Vegan Pasta Salad - Vegan recipe hero image

This Vegan Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of whole-food ingredients, making it not only delicious but also nourishing.

With a medley of fresh vegetables mixed with whole grain pasta and a zesty dressing, this dish is ideal for meal prep or a light lunch.

Discover this and more on vegancooking.recipes!

What Makes This Recipe Special

  • Made with simple, plant-based ingredients that are easy to find
  • No animal products - completely vegan and cruelty-free
  • Perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike
  • Delicious results that everyone will love, vegan or not

Ingredients & Substitutions

Whole grain pasta is a great source of fiber and nutrients. Feel free to substitute the vegetables with your favorites, like spinach or olives. For a protein boost, consider adding chickpeas or edamame.

Tips & Notes

  • Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an extra zing.
  • For a creamier dressing, blend soaked cashews with water and use as a base for the dressing.

Recipe Variations

  • Add roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a different flavor profile.
  • Incorporate nuts or seeds, such as pine nuts or sunflower seeds, for added texture.

Storage & Freezing

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may become softer over time, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, this pasta salad can be made a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

You can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta instead.

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A refreshing and vibrant vegan pasta salad packed with colorful vegetables and a tangy dressing, perfect for a quick lunch or picnic.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 10 min
Total Time: 25 min
Servings: 4
Difficulty: easy

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 250
Protein: 8g
Carbs: 40g
Fat: 8g
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 3g

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole grain fusilli pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.

  2. 2

    While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables: halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and red bell pepper, and finely chop the red onion and parsley.

  3. 3

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.

  4. 4

    Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow it to cool for a few minutes.

  5. 5

    Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing, then add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and parsley. Toss everything together until well combined.

  6. 6

    Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or vinegar according to your preference.

  7. 7

    Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy your delicious vegan pasta salad!

#vegan#pasta salad#whole food#meal prep#lunch#whole-food-plant-based

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