Description
Creamy Vegan Pasta Salad is a plant-based, dairy-free version of the classic pasta salad that is typically made with mayonnaise or sour cream. This version uses a rich, creamy dressing made from raw cashews and almond milk, offering a smooth, velvety texture that pairs beautifully with a variety of vegetables. It’s a simple, yet flavorful salad that works wonderfully as a light lunch, a side dish for a barbecue, or a refreshing addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz pasta (any shape you prefer; use gluten-free if needed)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Dressing:
- 1/2 cup raw cashews (soaked in water for at least 2 hours)
- 1/4 cup almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional, for a cheesy flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a blender or food processor, combine soaked and drained cashews, almond milk, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency with more almond milk if needed.
- Combine the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, corn, and parsley.
- Add the Dressing:
- Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta salad and toss until everything is well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Chill and Serve:
- For the best flavor, refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
For added crunch and flavor, mix in chopped celery, bell peppers, or toasted sunflower seeds. You can also top it with fresh herbs like dill or parsley and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy twist!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American