Vegan Pasta Salad is an absolute crowd-pleaser, offering a refreshing and nutritious twist on the classic pasta salad. Packed with colorful vegetables, hearty pasta, and a zesty dressing, this dish is ideal for picnics, barbecues, or as a light lunch option.
I told you I’d be back with another pasta salad and today I’m here to deliver the goods!
While most of the pasta salad recipes on Peas and Crayons can easily be made vegan, I think it’s time I went ape with the veggies for a plant-based pasta salad that’s sure to rock your face.
Pasta salad the perfect opportunity to empty out your crisper drawer and use up all the little bits and pieces of produce leftover from the week’s meals.
Usually when I have an abundance of vegetables on hand, I either make soup or pasta salad. It’s clearly too warm for soup right now so let’s pasta our salad, shall we?
Pasta salad is forever the perfect dish to bring to summer picnics, potlucks, and barbecues. It’s quick and easy to make, loaded with tasty veggies, and can easily be made in advance!
Pasta Salad Noodle Options
The base for this vegan pasta salad is (spoiler alert!) a bed of tender pasta. I opted for trottole noodles this time around, but any shape of small pasta will work fabulous here.
Popular options are tri-colored rotini, mini farfalle (bowtie pasta), elbow macaroni, ditalini, or clean out your pantry and use a combination of pasta shapes from all the partially used boxes of noodles.
Once the pasta is cooked and cooled, it’s time to let some veggies in on the fun!
Mix and Match Vegetables for Pasta Salad
Veggies are the star of the show, adding a variety of colors, textures, and flavors to this pasta salad. Be sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces so you can get a little goodness in every bite.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to vegetable choices, but some of my favorites include:
- tomatoes
- cucumbers
- bell peppers
- red onions
- broccoli or cauliflower
- sweet mini peppers
- asparagus
- avocado
- corn
You can also add a bit of brininess with olives, artichokes, pickled red onions, or pickled banana peppers. Shredded carrots are a great option too.
Want to let some protein in on the fun? Add some tender cannellini beans or chickpeas.
Next you’ll further amp up the flavor with fresh herbs and a tasty homemade dressing. Depending on what I have on hand, I’ll add fresh basil, parsley, and/or dill to mix! For this vegan pasta salad, I used a combination of parsley and dill.
The dressing in the recipe card is a little bit of a hybrid of a few of my favorite dressings combining my lemon dressing with zesty italian flavors. You can even finish it off with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or balsamic dressing for even more flavor!
Delicious Dressing Options
You can also whip up one of these tasty homemade dressing recipes or feel free to use your favorite store bought dressing if you’d like. Anything goes when it comes to pasta salad.
When it comes to pasta salad, there are so many different combinations to try for unique flavor profiles. Sometimes I feel like I could wing it every time and never make the same pasta salad twice!
Vegan Pasta Salad
With its vibrant colors and fresh flavors, this Vegan Pasta Salad is an absolute winner for any occasion. Each bite is bursting with nutrient-packed vegetables and tossed in a tangy dressing. Yes please!
Ready to get your recipe on? Let’s do this!
Here’s the recipe for this simple yet satisfying pasta salad:
Vegan Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (spirals, bowtie, etc…)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved or quartered
- 1 cup diced bell pepper any color and/or sweet mini peppers
- ¼-½ english cucumber
- ¼ red onion
- 2-3 TBSP fresh herbs I used parsley and dill
PASTA SALAD DRESSING
- ⅓ cup avocado oil or olive oil
- 1-2 TBSP red wine vinegar
- 1 lemon, juiced (approx. 2 TBSP)
- 2-3 tsp dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic freshly. minced
- ½ tsp dried oregano leaves
- ¼ tsp Italian seasoning blend or extra, to taste
- ¼-½ tsp salt to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp sweetener of choice to round out the dressing (sugar, maple syrup agave, etc…)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta with a pinch of salt in the water according to the package instructions, approx 10 minutes. While it cooks, prep dressing and vegetables.
- NOTE: once pasta is cooked to your liking, drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
- Finely dice red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients. Add red onion and set aside to marinate.
- Dice cucumber (feel free to peel and scoop out seeds if desired). Dice and slice bell pepper and feel free to add extra if you're a big fan of peppers. Halve or quarter cherry tomatoes or dice larger tomatoes if preferred. Chop fresh herbs.
- In a large mixing bowl combined prepped vegetables with cooked and cooled pasta. Add the dressing and mix well to evenly distribute. If you have the time to, cover, refrigerate, and allow the salad to sit for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Taste test time! Now is your chance to further customize this salad. 1. Additional salt, pepper, spices or herbs to taste. 2. Lemon zest for more zippy citrus flavor. 3. A drizzle or two of balsamic glaze or your favorite balsamic vinegar for a tasty flavor boost. This salad is so easy to customize with all your favorite add-ins and extras. Can be served chilled or at room temp. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Pasta Salad Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
To make meal prep a breeze, follow these storage and make-ahead tips:
Store the prepared vegan pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Mix well before serving and enjoy chilled or room temperature.
To maintain freshness when prepping ahead, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. Add it just before enjoying to prevent the vegetables from becoming too soft.
If you’re planning to serve a larger crowd or prefer having the salad readily available, you can prepare the pasta and chop the vegetables in advance. Store them separately and assemble the salad just before serving.
More Vibrant Vegan Recipes
- Vegan Quinoa Bowls
- Tomato Basil Vegan White Bean Dip
- READER FAVORITE: Black Bean Salsa
- Vegan Alphabet Soup via The Recipe Rebel
- Roasted Chickpea Burrito Bowls
- Vegan Roasted Cauliflower Tacos
If you get a chance to try this vegan pasta salad recipe, let me know! Leave me a comment here (LOVE checking those daily!) or tag @PEASandCRAYONS on Instagram so I can happy dance over your tasty creations.
Made this over the weekend for guest and it was a hit. You can’t go wrong with a good pasta salad!
Yay!! So happy to hear it!
Love this recipe! I will be making this often
Thanks Nellie!