Introduction
Dive into this refreshing Vegan Pasta Salad with Creamy Lemon Tahini Dressing, perfect for warm days or as a delightful side dish. Bursting with colors and flavors, this dish is a nutritious way to enjoy your veggies without sacrificing taste. It’s not only simple to make, but it also comes together in no time!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of whole grain pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup olives, sliced
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Directions and Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, spinach, red onion, olives, and chickpeas.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together tahini, water, lemon juice, maple syrup, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the tahini dressing over the pasta salad and toss until everything is well coated.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes or Tips
- Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your favorites or what you have on hand.
- This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it great for meal prep.
- Add some nutritional yeast for an extra cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Cooking Techniques
Making this pasta salad is a breeze! The key is to cook the pasta al dente so it maintains its texture when mixed with the veggies and dressing. Rinsing the pasta under cold water helps prevent sticking and cools it down quickly.
FAQ
- Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, it tastes even better after the flavors meld in the fridge!
- Is the tahini dressing easy to make? Absolutely! Just whisk it all together, and you’re good to go.
- Can I use gluten-free pasta? Yes, any gluten-free pasta will work perfectly here.
Conclusion
This Vegan Pasta Salad with Creamy Lemon Tahini Dressing is not just food; it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. Enjoy it at picnics, barbecues, or as a quick lunch, and revel in the happiness it brings to your table!