Craving a burst of Mediterranean flavors that's both incredibly easy to make and totally plant-based? Look no further! This Vegan Pasta Salad is about to revolutionize your meal prep game with its vibrant colors, fresh ingredients, and a dressing so delicious, you'll want to drizzle it on everything. Perfect for summer picnics, quick lunches, or impressing your dinner guests, this recipe proves that vegan cuisine can be both simple and sensationally tasty!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the 8 oz of pasta of your choice. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Rinse and halve the 1 cup of cherry tomatoes. Dice the 1 cup of cucumber and the 1/2 cup of bell pepper into bite-sized pieces. Slice the 1/4 cup of olives.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Allow the pasta to drain thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and olives. Gently toss the ingredients together to combine.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to ensure all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
- Let the pasta salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve it chilled or at room temperature.
- This vegan pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Enjoy your delicious and refreshing Italian-inspired dish!
Tips
- Choose Your Pasta Wisely: Opt for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to customize the dish to your dietary needs.
- Keep It Cool: Rinsing pasta with cold water is crucial to stop the cooking process and prevent a mushy texture.
- Dressing Hack: Whisk your dressing separately to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Marination Magic: Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to fully develop.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap or add vegetables based on what's in season or your personal preference.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This salad tastes even better the next day, so it's perfect for meal prep!
- Storage Tip: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for maximum freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
