5 Refreshing Cold Vegan Pasta Salads for Healthy Vegan Meals

Pasta salad is the ultimate healthy vegan meals hero—perfect for picnics, meal prep, or beating the heat with minimal cooking. These five cold vegan pasta salads are packed with vibrant veggies, plant-based proteins, and crave-worthy dressings that prove healthy vegan meals can be both nourishing and indulgent.

🍝 Pro Tips for Perfect Cold Pasta Salads

✔ Cook pasta al dente – It softens as it chills.
✔ Rinse with cold water – Stops cooking and prevents clumping.
✔ Marinate for 2+ hours – Lets flavors meld beautifully.
✔ Add crunch – Toasted nuts, seeds, or fresh veggies keep it interesting.
✔ Boost protein – Chickpeas, tofu, or tempeh make it a complete meal.

Now, let’s dive into these healthy vegan meals that are anything but boring!

1. 🌿 Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing

Why it’s a meal: Chickpeas + olives + sun-dried tomatoes = 20g protein

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked orzo pasta
• ½ cup chickpeas
• ¼ cup Kalamata olives
• ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes
• Dressing: 2 tbsp tahini + 1 lemon (juiced) + 1 tsp oregano

Pro Tip: Add artichoke hearts for extra Mediterranean flair.

Source: Oh She Glows

2. 🥑 Creamy Avocado Pesto Pasta Salad

Why it’s a meal: Avocado + hemp seeds = healthy fats + protein

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fusilli pasta
• 1 ripe avocado (mashed)
• ¼ cup basil pesto (vegan)
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes
• Topping: 2 tbsp hemp seeds

Pro Tip: Toss with a splash of lemon juice to keep the avocado bright green.

Source: Minimalist Baker

3. 🌶️ Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad

Why it’s a meal: Edamame + peanut butter = 22g protein

Ingredients:

• 2 cups soba noodles
• ½ cup shelled edamame
• ¼ cup shredded carrots
• Dressing: 3 tbsp peanut butter + 1 tbsp soy sauce + 1 tsp sriracha

Pro Tip: Top with crushed peanuts for extra crunch.

Source: Love and Lemons

4. 🍋 Greek Pasta Salad with Vegan Feta

Why it’s a meal: White beans + vegan feta = creamy & salty

Ingredients:

• 2 cups penne pasta
• ½ cup cannellini beans
• ¼ cup diced cucumber
• 2 tbsp vegan feta
• Dressing: 1 tbsp olive oil + 1 lemon (juiced) + 1 tsp dill

Pro Tip: Let it chill overnight for maximum flavor.

Source: Thug Kitchen

5. 🍓 Summer Berry & Balsamic Pasta Salad

Why it’s a meal: Walnuts + spinach = unexpected & refreshing

Ingredients:

• 2 cups farfalle pasta
• ½ cup mixed berries
• ¼ cup toasted walnuts
• 2 cups baby spinach
• Dressing: 1 tbsp balsamic glaze + 1 tsp maple syrup

Pro Tip: Use tri-color pasta for a fun look.

Source: The First Mess

📌 Why These Work as Healthy Vegan Meals:

✅ 18-25g protein per serving (keeps you full for hours)
✅ Meal-prep magic (tastes even better the next day)
✅ Endlessly customizable (swap veggies, proteins, or dressings)

Need More Ideas? Try:

• Buffalo Chickpea Macaroni Salad (with vegan ranch)
• Asian Sesame Noodle Salad (with crispy tofu)

Sources Cited:

1. Oh She Glows
2. Minimalist Baker
3. Love and Lemons
4. Thug Kitchen
5. The First Mess