Imagine twirling a forkful of tender pasta, crisp veggies bursting with color, and a zesty homemade dressing that ties it all together. This vegan pasta salad is the ultimate blend of refreshing, crunchy, and satisfying—perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or a light yet fulfilling lunch. Every bite is a balance of textures and flavors, leaving you feeling nourished and energized.
Most of the recipes we (Lauren and Cassidy) make at home come from this cookbook.
It’s our go-to. That’s why we are happy to recommend it to you too.
Try These RecipesIngredients
For the Salad:
✅ 12 oz pasta (rotini, fusilli, or bowtie work great)✅ 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
✅ 1 cup cucumber, diced
✅ 1 cup bell peppers, diced (use a mix of red, yellow, and green for a burst of color)
✅ ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
✅ ½ cup black olives, sliced
✅ ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
✅ ¼ cup olive oil✅ 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
✅ 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
✅ 1 tsp Dijon mustard
✅ 1 tsp maple syrup (or agave for a subtle sweetness)
✅ 1 clove garlic, minced
✅ ½ tsp dried oregano
✅ Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
2️⃣ Prepare the Veggies: While the pasta cools, chop the tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onion, and olives. The key to a balanced bite is evenly-sized pieces!
3️⃣ Whisk Up the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4️⃣ Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped veggies, and fresh parsley. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss everything together until evenly coated.
5️⃣ Chill and Serve: Let the salad sit for at least 15–20 minutes in the fridge to let the flavors meld beautifully. Serve cold and enjoy the crisp, tangy, and herbaceous goodness in every bite!
Most of the recipes we (Lauren and Cassidy) make at home come from this cookbook.
It’s our go-to. That’s why we are happy to recommend it to you too.
Try These RecipesTips for the Best Vegan Pasta Salad:
🌱 Use High-Quality Pasta: Whole wheat or gluten-free options work great for different dietary needs.
🍋 Amp Up the Flavor: Add nutritional yeast or vegan feta for extra depth.
🌿 Freshness Matters: Fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon before serving elevate the taste.
🥑 Make It Creamy: Toss in diced avocado or a dollop of hummus for a creamy twist.
Whether you’re packing this for lunch, serving at a BBQ, or enjoying it as a light dinner, this pasta salad is a winner every time. It’s colorful, nutritious, and bursting with flavors that keep you coming back for more!