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Fresh Vegan Pasta Salad Recipe Easy & Healthy Lunch Idea

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A vibrant and nourishing vegan pasta salad packed with fresh veggies, a tangy homemade dressing, and optional vegan feta. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light lunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) short pasta (rotini, fusilli, or bowtie), cooked al dente
  • 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup (150 g) English cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup (150 g) bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), diced
  • ½ small red onion (about 50 g), thinly sliced
  • ½ cup (75 g) Kalamata olives, sliced
  • ¼ cup (10 g) fresh basil, chopped
  • Optional: vegan feta, crumbled
  • 3 tbsp (45 ml) olive oil
  • 3 tbsp (45 ml) lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, grated or minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
  2. While the pasta cooks, prepare the veggies: halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell peppers, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the basil.
  3. If using vegan feta, crumble it into small pieces and set aside.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with the chopped veggies, olives, and basil. Toss gently to combine.
  6. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and mix until everything is evenly coated. Be gentle to avoid squishing the veggies.
  7. If using, sprinkle the vegan feta over the top and give it one final toss.
  8. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15-20 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
  9. Serve chilled and enjoy the burst of fresh flavors in every bite!

Notes

[‘Don’t overcook the pasta; al dente is key for the perfect texture.’, ‘Use fresh, crisp veggies for the best flavor and texture.’, ‘Salt your pasta water to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.’, ‘Let the salad chill for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.’, ‘Taste and adjust the dressing before mixing – you might want to add more lemon juice or salt.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: vegan pasta salad, healthy lunch, easy recipe, summer salad, fresh veggies, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://katedishes.com/fresh-vegan-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-and-healthy-lunch-idea/