Vegan pasta salad is a versatile and delicious dish that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light and satisfying meal. This recipe combines vibrant vegetables, a creamy avocado dressing, and perfectly cooked pasta for a refreshing and flavorful salad you’ll want to make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Pasta Salad Recipe
This vegan pasta salad is:
- Packed with fresh vegetables: This recipe is bursting with colorful and nutritious vegetables, making it a healthy and delicious meal option.
- Easy to customize: Don’t hesitate to get creative and add your favorite veggies or swap the dressing for a different flavor profile.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch of this salad on the weekend and enjoy it for lunches or light dinners throughout the week.
- Crowd-pleasing: This salad is always a hit at potlucks and gatherings.
Ingredients for the Ultimate Vegan Pasta Salad
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious vegan pasta salad:
- 1 pound pasta (rotini, penne, or fusilli work well)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
For the Avocado Dressing:
- 1 ripe avocado, pitted and scooped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Colorful vegetables and herbs arranged around a bowl of cooked pasta
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Vegan Pasta Salad
Follow these simple steps to create your own refreshing vegan pasta salad:
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Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
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Prepare the vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, wash and chop all the vegetables. You can adjust the size of the vegetables to your liking.
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Make the avocado dressing: In a food processor or blender, combine all the dressing ingredients and blend until smooth and creamy. Add a tablespoon or two of water if needed to thin the dressing to your desired consistency.
Pro Tip: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning to your preference. You can add more lemon juice for tanginess, nutritional yeast for cheesiness, or garlic for a more pungent flavor.
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Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, olives, parsley, and basil.
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Toss with dressing: Pour the avocado dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Hands tossing vegan pasta salad in a large bowl
- Chill and serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This will also help the salad to firm up slightly.
Tips for the Best Vegan Pasta Salad
- Cook the pasta al dente: Overcooked pasta will result in a mushy salad. Aim for a slight bite to the pasta.
- Use fresh and high-quality ingredients: The key to a flavorful salad is to use fresh and ripe vegetables.
- Don’t overdress the salad: Start with a smaller amount of dressing and add more if needed. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away.
- Get creative with add-ins: Feel free to add other vegetables, beans, legumes, or even vegan cheese to your liking.
FAQs About Vegan Pasta Salad
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad is great for making ahead. The flavors will actually intensify if you let it sit in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.
What can I substitute for the avocado in the dressing?
If you don’t have avocado on hand, you can use a vegan mayonnaise or even hummus for a creamy dressing.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like for this salad. Short, sturdy shapes like rotini, penne, or fusilli work best.
How long does this salad last in the fridge?
This salad will keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
More Delicious Vegan Recipes
Looking for more plant-based meal ideas? Check out these recipes on Purely Vegan:
Close-up shot of vegan pasta salad served on a plate
This refreshing vegan pasta salad is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its vibrant flavors, customizable options, and easy preparation, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients and enjoy the deliciousness of this plant-based delight!
