Vegan Pasta Salad

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.

Course Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine American, Vegan

Keyword Vegan Pasta Salad

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 10

Total Time 30

Servings servings

Calories 412kcal

Author Jenn Laughlin - Peas and Crayons

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

Mix and match your favorite veggies here! Some tasty options include: tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, sweet mini peppers, pickled banana peppers, red onions, broccoli, cauliflower, corn, avocado, etc...

Nutrition Facts below are estimated for the pasta salad including my homemade dressing using an online recipe nutrition calculator. Adjust as needed based on swaps or extras added and enjoy!

Nutrition