Looking for a vibrant and refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion? Dive into the world of flavors with our Cold Vegan Pesto Pasta Salad! This delightful recipe combines al dente pasta, zesty vegan pesto, and a medley of fresh ingredients that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you're hosting a summer picnic, a potluck, or simply craving a light meal, this salad is your go-to dish. With just 25 minutes of prep and cook time, you can whip up a gourmet experience that’s not only delicious but also completely plant-based. Ready to impress your friends and family? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 1 cup vegan pesto
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh arugula for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the 8 oz of pasta of your choice. Cook until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes, depending on the type of pasta.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Rinse and halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the olives, and toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until they are golden and fragrant.
- 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 with 1 cup of vegan pesto. Toss well to ensure that the pasta is evenly coated with the pesto.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced olives, and toasted pine nuts to the pasta. Gently mix everything together until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Season the pasta salad with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed based on your preference.
- To serve, transfer the pasta salad to a serving dish or individual bowls. Garnish with fresh arugula on top for a pop of color and added flavor.
- This cold vegan pesto pasta salad can be enjoyed immediately or chilled in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to enhance the flavors. It is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing meal on a warm day.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for whole grain or gluten-free pasta for a healthier twist. The type of pasta can affect the texture, so pick one that you love!
- Perfectly Toasted Pine Nuts: Keep an eye on the pine nuts while toasting; they can go from golden to burnt in seconds! Stir frequently to achieve that perfect golden color.
- Chill for Flavor: For an even more flavorful salad, allow it to chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. This lets the ingredients meld beautifully.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute your favorite vegetables! Bell peppers, spinach, or cucumbers can add a refreshing crunch.
- Make Your Own Pesto: If you have the time, try making your own vegan pesto at home. It’s easy and allows you to control the flavors and ingredients!
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Enhance the presentation and flavor by adding fresh basil or parsley as a garnish along with the arugula.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This salad keeps well in the fridge, making it an excellent choice for meal prep. Just store it in an airtight container, and it’ll be ready for a quick lunch or snack.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 0mg
