Easy & Quick Vegan Pasta Salad

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If you’re heading to a potluck and need a side dish that won’t let you down, a vegan pasta salad is a perfect choice. It’s packed with delicious ingredients like olives, peppers, red onion, roasted red peppers, and grape tomatoes. A homemade Italian dressing ties everything together nicely.

Cold salads like this are always a hit at parties. They’re simple to make ahead of time and easy to transport. Whether you’re a fan of cucumber salad, macaroni salad, or coleslaw, pasta salad is another great option to consider. It’s not just tasty but also convenient for any gathering.

Tool Requirements

To make a vegan pasta salad, you need just a few simple tools in your kitchen. Start with a big pot to cook your pasta. Make sure it’s large enough so the pasta doesn’t stick together. You also need a colander to drain the water once your pasta is cooked.

A cutting board and a sharp knife are essential. These help you chop vegetables like peppers, cucumbers, or tomatoes. You might also want a mixing bowl that’s roomy enough to toss all your ingredients without everything spilling out.

Lastly, a spoon or spatula is handy to stir the salad and mix the dressing in evenly. If you’re making your own dressing, a small jar or a whisk can help you mix everything until it’s smooth. With these basic tools, you’ll be ready to whip up a tasty dish.

Getting Things Ready

First, gather everything you need. For a tasty vegan pasta salad, start with some pasta. Choose rotini or bow ties, as they hold onto the dressing well.

Next, head over to the veggie area. Grab some cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers. Make sure to wash and chop these into bite-sized pieces.

Don’t forget the proteins! Pick up a can of chickpeas. Make sure you rinse them well. They add a nice, hearty taste.

Now for some extras to boost the flavor. Look for black olives and red onions. Slice them thinly so they mix well.

To finish, you need a tasty dressing. Choose a vegan-friendly option like balsamic vinegar or lemon juice mixed with olive oil. Add some salt and cracked black pepper for extra taste.

Once you have everything, set it out so it’s all within reach. This makes it much easier to mix your salad later on.

Ways to Serve Your Vegan Pasta Salad

• You can enjoy vegan pasta salad as a refreshing side dish or a light main course. Try serving it chilled for a cool treat on a warm day. If you like a bit of crunch, add some nuts or seeds on top before serving.
• For a touch of extra flavor, consider mixing in some fresh herbs like basil or parsley. A drizzle of olive oil can make each bite even more delicious. When plating, some cherry tomatoes or sliced cucumbers can brighten up its look and taste.
• Try pairing it with some crusty bread or garlic rolls to make it a fuller meal. For a spicier kick, sprinkle a pinch of chili flakes on your salad. Experiment with your favorite veggies and dressings to make it unique.

Storing and Heating Suggestions

• To keep your vegan pasta salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This helps maintain its taste and texture. Make sure it’s cool before putting it in the fridge to avoid moisture build-up. You can keep it for about three to five days.
• When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, let the salad sit at room temperature for a few minutes, or you can enjoy it cold straight from the fridge. If you’re not a fan of cold pasta, you can briefly warm it. Just be careful not to overheat, as it can affect the veggies’ crunchiness.
• If you think the salad is dry after storing, add a splash of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice. This can refresh the flavors and keep the salad tasting vibrant and delicious.

Easy & Quick Vegan Pasta Salad

Are you looking for an easy vegan pasta salad recipe? Look no further! This healthy pasta salad can be added to your list of vegan pasta recipes, and vegan lunch or dinner recipes. It fits any time of the day!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine Italian

Servings 2 servings

Calories 580 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 cups of rotini or bow tie pasta
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup of cucumbers
• 1 cup of bell peppers
• 1 can of chickpeas approximately 15 ounces
• 1/2 cup of black olives
• 1/4 cup of red onions
• 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Cracked black pepper to taste

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

 

• Cook 2 cups of pasta according to package instructions.
• Wash and chop 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of cucumbers, and 1 cup of bell peppers into bite-sized pieces.
• Rinse 1 can of chickpeas thoroughly.
• Slice 1/2 cup of black olives and 1/4 cup of red onions thinly.
• Mix 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
• Add salt and cracked black pepper to taste.
• Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
• Toss everything together until well mixed.
• Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.

Nutrition

Calories: 580kcal

Keyword Vegan

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Stefan K.

Stefan has been vegan since 2019 and has been regularly working on his strength since the beginning of 2023. He’s on a mission to help other vegans get stronger and have all of them achieve the quality of life they deserve.