Creamy Vegan Pasta Salad is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines cooked pasta with a creamy dressing made from plant-based ingredients. It is loaded with colorful vegetables, herbs, and spices, making it a flavorful and nutritious option for a light meal or a side dish.
Cooking time: 10-12 minutes (for pasta)
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Ready time: 25-30 minutes
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces pasta of your choice (such as penne, fusilli, or rotini)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onions, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
For the dressing:
- 1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup unsweetened plain vegan yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, black olives, red onions, fresh parsley, and fresh basil. Toss gently to combine.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the vegan mayonnaise, vegan yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, nutritional yeast (if using), salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Adjust the salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill.
- Before serving, give the pasta salad a gentle toss and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve chilled and enjoy as a refreshing and creamy vegan pasta salad.
This Vegan Pasta Salad Creamy is versatile, and you can add or substitute vegetables based on your preference. You can also add some protein by incorporating cooked chickpeas, tofu, or tempeh. It’s a delightful dish that is both satisfying and packed with wholesome ingredients.