Vegan Pasta Salad Recipe | Quick And Easy Summer Side Dish

• Quick and Easy. This salad comes together in just under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
• Flavorful. From the fresh, crunchy veggies to the tangy vinaigrette, every bite is packed with flavor.
• Customizable. Whether you prefer adding extra veggies, protein, or spices, this recipe is incredibly versatile and can be tailored to your taste.

Plus, it’s fully vegan, making it an excellent choice for plant-based eaters or anyone looking for a healthy and delicious meal.

A vegan pasta salad is a perfect balance of freshness and hearty comfort. The pasta itself provides a soft, chewy base, while the fresh vegetables add a crunchy texture. The vinaigrette—a combination of tangy vinegar, olive oil, and spices—brings everything together, infusing the salad with a zesty, bright flavor.

Each bite offers a mix of tangy, savory, and slightly sweet notes from the veggies, all rounded out by the pasta. If you love vibrant, refreshing salads that still feel filling, this one’s for you.

This vegan pasta salad uses a combination of pantry staples and fresh ingredients, making it both affordable and easy to prepare. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Pasta- Use your favorite pasta. Rotini, penne, or fusilli work well. These shapes hold the dressing and veggies nicely, creating the perfect bite.
• Cherry Tomatoes- Sweet and juicy, these add a burst of color and flavor.
• Vegan Mozzarella Cheese- A cool, creamy refreshing contrast.
• Red Onion- For a little sharpness and flavor.
• Bell Pepper- Any color will do, but red, yellow, or orange peppers will bring sweetness and vibrancy to the dish.
• Peas- Add color and a sweet earthy flavor to each bite.
• Fresh Herbs- Fresh parsley, basil, or dill can give the salad an aromatic, fresh finish.
• Olive Oil- The base of the dressing, adding a rich, smooth texture.
• Red Wine Vinegar- Adds tang and brightness to balance out the richness of the oil.
• Lemon Juice- A splash of citrus to enhance the flavors.
• Dijon Mustard- Provides a little kick and helps emulsify the dressing.
• Garlic- Freshly minced garlic adds depth and flavor.
• Maple Syrup- Adds a slight sweetness to balance the acidity of the vinegar and lemon juice.
• Italian Seasoning- Gives an extra boost of flavor to the homemade pasta salad dressing.
• Salt and Pepper- Essential for seasoning the dressing and enhancing the flavor of the whole dish.

1. Cook the Pasta- Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to cook it al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when mixed with the dressing. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Vegetables- While the pasta is cooling, chop your cherry tomatoes, vegan mozzarella, red onion, and bell pepper into bite-sized pieces. Toss them together in a large bowl along with the peas.
3. Make the Vinaigrette. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and maple syrup (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until the dressing is emulsified and smooth.
4. Combine the Pasta and Veggies. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the chopped vegetables. Pour the vinaigrette over the top and toss everything together until evenly coated.
5. Chill and Serve. For the best flavor, let the pasta salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the dressing to soak into the pasta and vegetables. The flavors will deepen, and the salad will become even more delicious.
6. Garnish and Enjoy. Before serving, garnish with fresh herbs if desired. This adds an aromatic, fresh element that complements the vibrant flavors of the salad.

Here are some tips and tricks to ensure your Vegan Pasta Salad turns out absolutely delicious and perfectly balanced:

• Use Cold Pasta. For a true pasta salad texture, make sure the pasta is completely cool before mixing it with the veggies and dressing. This will prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
• Flavor Boost. For a more intense flavor, let the salad sit overnight. This gives the pasta and vegetables more time to absorb the dressing.
• Extra Protein. To make this pasta salad more filling, add a plant-based protein like chickpeas, tofu, or edamame.

This pasta salad is highly adaptable. Here are a few variations you can try:

• Mediterranean- Add kalamata olives, cucumbers, and artichoke hearts for a Mediterranean-inspired twist. You could even toss in some vegan feta cheese for extra flavor.
• Pesto- Swap the vinaigrette for vegan pesto to give your salad an herbaceous, garlicky kick.
• Italian- Use roasted red peppers, artichokes, olives, and a dash of Italian seasoning in place of the usual veggies.
• Mexican-Inspired- Swap out the dressing for a lime-cilantro vinaigrette, and add black beans, corn, and a sprinkle of cumin for a zesty, southwestern flair.

This vegan pasta salad is perfect on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas:

• Grilled Veggies- Serve this pasta salad alongside some grilled zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers for a light and healthy meal.
• Vegan Burgers or Wraps- This salad is a perfect side dish for any plant-based burger or wrap. It complements the flavors and adds a refreshing crunch.
• Roasted Potatoes- A warm side of roasted potatoes, especially if they’re seasoned with garlic and herbs, makes for a satisfying meal when served with the pasta salad.

Vegan pasta salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. The flavors continue to develop as it sits, so it’s an excellent option for meal prep or making ahead of time. However, it’s best enjoyed within a few days for the freshest taste and texture.

While it's not ideal to freeze pasta salad due to the texture changes that happen when freezing pasta and veggies, you can freeze the dressing. Make the vinaigrette and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Thaw in the refrigerator and mix with fresh pasta and veggies for a quick meal.

• Vegan Potato Salad
• Vegan Coleslaw
• Keto Buffalo Cauliflower
• Tomato Eggplant Soup
• Air Fryer Tofu

Pin It!

If you love this Vegan Pasta Salad recipe as much as we do, make sure you share it with your friends on Facebook and Instagram so they can try it too! Don't forget to Pin it so you can make it again soon.