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Fresh Vegan Pasta Salad Recipe Perfect for Summer Meals

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A vibrant and refreshing vegan pasta salad with herb dressing, perfect for summer gatherings or casual lunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces pasta (rotini, fusilli, or bowtie)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup bell peppers, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup olives, sliced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  2. While the pasta cooks, prepare the vegetables. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, dice the cucumber and bell peppers, and thinly slice the red onion.
  3. Make the herb dressing by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool it down. Shake off excess water.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped vegetables, olives (if using), parsley, and basil.
  6. Pour the herb dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
  7. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

If the pasta salad feels dry after sitting, add a drizzle of olive oil or lemon juice to refresh it. Letting the salad rest for 10-15 minutes enhances the flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: vegan pasta salad, summer salad, herb dressing, easy vegan recipe, healthy salad