Hey there! I can’t wait to share my favorite Vegan Pasta Salad with Tahini Dressing with you. This dish is such a winner – it’s incredibly refreshing and packed with vibrant flavors. I love how easy it is to whip up, making it perfect for those busy weeknight dinners or a sunny picnic in the park. Seriously, the creamy tahini dressing takes it to another level and makes every bite feel indulgent yet wholesome. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in those veggies without even trying. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (your choice, I love using whole wheat or gluten-free)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color you fancy, but red or yellow add a nice sweetness)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (for that zing!)
- 1/2 cup parsley, chopped (fresh is best for that burst of flavor)
- 1/4 cup tahini (creamy goodness!)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed if you can)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (don’t skimp on this, it adds so much!)
- Salt and pepper to taste (seasoning is key!)
How to Prepare Vegan Pasta Salad with Tahini Dressing
Let’s dive into making this delightful Vegan Pasta Salad with Tahini Dressing! It’s a breeze to whip up and trust me, you’ll be so pleased with how fresh and flavorful it turns out!
Step 1: Cooking the Pasta
First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your 8 oz of pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once it’s perfectly cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and give it a quick rinse under cold water. This helps stop the cooking process and cools it down, which is exactly what you want for this salad!
Step 2: Combining the Vegetables
Now, grab a big mixing bowl and add your cooled pasta. Toss in the 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 diced cucumber, 1 diced bell pepper, 1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion, and 1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley. I love the crunch and color these veggies add, and it’s so satisfying to see them all come together!
Step 3: Making the Tahini Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of tahini, 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. If the dressing seems too thick, you can add a tiny bit of water to reach your desired consistency. This dressing is the star of the show, so make sure it’s creamy and well-mixed!
Step 4: Mixing Everything Together
Pour that luscious tahini dressing over the pasta and veggies. Now, it’s time to get your hands in there (or use tongs if you prefer!). Toss everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring every bite is coated with that creamy goodness. It’s all about even distribution here, folks!
Step 5: Chilling the Salad
Finally, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let the salad chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial—it allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together, making each bite even more delicious. Trust me, the wait will be worth it!
Tips for Success
To make your Vegan Pasta Salad truly shine, here are a few tips I swear by! First, don’t rush the cooling process of your pasta; it really helps the salad stay fresh and prevents sogginess. If you want to amp up the flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of balsamic vinegar to the tahini dressing. Also, feel free to mix in other veggies like zucchini or spinach depending on what you have on hand! And don’t forget, this salad tastes even better the next day, so make extra and enjoy the leftovers!
Serving Suggestions
This Vegan Pasta Salad with Tahini Dressing is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes! I love serving it alongside some crispy roasted chickpeas for an extra protein boost and crunch. You could also whip up a simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette to round out the meal. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, try serving it with grilled vegetable skewers—those smoky flavors complement the creamy tahini dressing perfectly! For a heartier option, add it as a side to some stuffed bell peppers or a warm quinoa bowl. Enjoy this delightful medley of flavors!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into this Vegan Pasta Salad with Tahini Dressing! Each serving (about 1 cup) is estimated to have around 250 calories, making it a light yet satisfying option. You’ll find about 10 grams of healthy fats, mostly from the tahini, which gives you that creamy texture without any dairy. Plus, it offers around 8 grams of protein, thanks to the pasta and tahini. Don’t forget there’s also 5 grams of fiber, which is great for digestion! Just keep in mind these numbers are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. So, feel free to check your labels for the most accurate info!
FAQ Section
Can I make this Vegan Pasta Salad in advance?
Absolutely! This Vegan Pasta Salad with Tahini Dressing is perfect for making ahead of time. In fact, I recommend it! The flavors deepen and get even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. Just prepare the salad as instructed, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep well for 2-3 days, so you can enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week. Just give it a little toss before serving to refresh it!
What can I substitute for tahini?
If you’re not a fan of tahini or have a sesame allergy, don’t worry! You can easily substitute it with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option or even peanut butter if you like the taste. For a lighter take, try mixing some Greek yogurt with a little lemon juice and olive oil for creaminess. Just keep in mind that each alternative will give a slightly different flavor, but they’ll all add a delicious touch to your salad!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can definitely make this Vegan Pasta Salad gluten-free! Just swap out regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety, like chickpea or brown rice pasta. These alternatives work beautifully and provide that same satisfying texture. Just make sure to check the package instructions for cooking times, as gluten-free pasta can vary. Enjoy your delicious, gluten-free salad!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Refreshing flavors that brighten any meal.
- Creamy tahini dressing adds a unique twist.
- Loaded with colorful veggies for added nutrition.
- Great for meal prep; it tastes even better the next day!
- Versatile and customizable with your favorite ingredients.
- Totally vegan and packed with plant-based goodness!
Vegan Pasta Salad with Tahini Dressing: 5 Burst of Flavor
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A refreshing vegan pasta salad with a creamy tahini dressing.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the tahini dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the dressing to your taste.
- Feel free to add other vegetables.
- This salad keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Vegan Pasta Salad, Tahini Dressing, Healthy Salad, Plant-Based
