Vegan Pasta Salad

This vegan pasta salad is a vibrant cheeseless dish ideal for summer gatherings, picnics or meal prepping for the week. This healthy pasta salad recipe is packed with the fresh summer veggies zucchini, cherry tomatoes and sweet red pepper, so it’s as nutritious as it is tasty. The tangy balsamic vinaigrette adds flavor, while the corkscrew pasta makes it a satisfying and hearty meal. With no dairy or animal products, this recipe is a plant-based dish that even meat-eaters will like.

Ingredients for Vegan Pasta Salad

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• Pasta: Uncooked spiral pasta holds up well in salads and catches all the delicious flavors from the dressing. The ridges help hold the vinaigrette and ensure that every bite is flavorful.
• Zucchini: Fresh, chopped zucchini adds a nice crunch and light flavor to the salad. Its mild taste makes the dressing shine and gives the dish a satisfying texture.
• Cherry tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes bring sweetness and juiciness to the salad. Their vibrant red color also adds a beautiful visual appeal.
• Sweet red pepper: This bright and crunchy addition gives a subtle sweetness that complements the other ingredients perfectly. The red pepper adds both flavor and texture to the dish.
• Red onion: Chopped red onion provides a sharp, tangy bite that contrasts nicely with the sweeter vegetables. It also adds a pop of color to the salad.
• Olives: Sliced olives give the salad a savory, briny flavor that balances the freshness of the vegetables. They also add a bit of healthy fat to the dish.
• Green onions: Green onions add a mild onion flavor and freshness to the salad, making the overall dish feel lighter and more balanced.
• Balsamic vinegar and olive oil: Balsamic vinegar brings a tangy, slightly sweet flavor to the dressing that complements the freshness of the vegetables and balances the olive oil, which adds richness and helps bind all the dressing ingredients together.
• Basil: Fresh basil adds fresh, aromatic flavor to the dressing. Its subtle sweetness enhances the flavor of the veggies and makes the salad feel even more refreshing.
• Garlic: Minced garlic gives the dressing a sharp, savory kick that cuts through the sweetness of the tomatoes and balances the overall flavor.
• Salt and pepper: Salt enhances the natural flavors of the vegetables and brings out the tanginess of the vinegar and the sweetness of the basil. Pepper adds a bit of heat and depth to the dressing.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the pasta

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Cook the spiral pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Do not overcook it, as the pasta will continue to absorb the dressing later. Drain and rinse the pasta in cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down for the salad.

Step 2: Prepare the vegetables

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While the pasta cooks, chop the zucchini, sweet red pepper and red onion. Halve the cherry tomatoes and slice the green onions. Place all the vegetables into a large bowl. Once the pasta is cooked and cooled, add it to the bowl with the vegetables. Drain the can of olives and toss them in as well.

Step 3: Make the dressing

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In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced basil, garlic, salt and pepper. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss everything until the pasta and veggies are evenly coated. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving to let the flavors develop.

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Vegan Pasta Salad Variations

• Add chickpeas or white beans: Toss in canned chickpeas or white beans for extra protein. This addition will make the salad even heartier and ready to be a main course.
• Substitute vegetables: Swap out the veggies for what’s in season. Cucumbers, bell peppers in other colors or blanched green beans work well in this salad.
• Gluten-free option: To make this dish gluten-free without sacrificing flavor or texture, use your favorite gluten-free pasta in place of traditional wheat pasta.

How to Store Vegan Pasta Salad

Store your vegan pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. It’s wonderful for meal prepping, as the flavors only improve with time.

Can you freeze vegan pasta salad?

Pasta salad doesn’t freeze well because the vegetables and pasta can become soggy when thawed. It’s best to enjoy it fresh or within a few days of making it.

Can you make the recipe ahead of time?

This salad is fantastic for making ahead. Allowing it to sit in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight enhances the flavors, making it even tastier when you’re ready to serve.

Vegan Pasta Salad Tips

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What pasta is best for pasta salad?

Spiral pasta or rotini is great for pasta salad because its shape holds onto the dressing and mixes well with the vegetables.

Can you serve pasta salad warm?

While pasta salad is traditionally served cold, you can skip the chilling step and serve it warm or at room temperature. Toss the salad right before serving for the best texture.

What can I serve with vegan pasta salad?

This vegan pasta salad is great on its own but also pairs well with grilled foods, veggie burgers or vegetarian sandwiches.