Description
This vibrant 15 Minute Vegan Pasta Salad is a quick, nourishing, and flavorful dish that combines crisp vegetables, creamy plant-based cheese cubes, and a zesty natural dressing. Perfect for any meal or picnic, it offers refreshing flavors and plant-powered goodness with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 2 cups short pasta (such as fusilli or penne)
- 1 cup cucumber, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup plant-based cheese, cubed
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (natural)
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling salted water and cooking the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and keep the pasta cool for the salad.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta cooks, chop the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, and red onion into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the fresh parsley to evenly distribute throughout the salad.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar (natural), Dijon mustard (natural), maple syrup (natural), garlic powder (natural), salt, and black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, and cubed plant-based cheese. Pour the dressing over and toss gently until everything is well coated.
- Final Touches: Sprinkle the fresh parsley over the salad and give one last gentle toss. Serve immediately or chill for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- Opt for smaller pasta shapes that hold dressing well without becoming mushy.
- Ensure vegetables are dry before adding to prevent diluting the dressing.
- Chill salad for 15-20 minutes before serving for enhanced flavor fusion.
- Adjust dressing quantity to suit your preference for tanginess or richness.
- Use fresh herbs for the brightest flavor and freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: vegan pasta salad, quick pasta salad, plant-based salad, gluten free pasta salad, healthy pasta salad
