Is Pasta Vegan? Part 6: 5 Refreshing Cold Pasta Salads

🥗🍝 Beat the heat with these bright, crunchy, protein-packed vegan pasta salads—perfect for picnics, meal prep, or quick lunches. No mayo, no eggs, just bold flavors and fresh ingredients.

SEO Keyword Focus: “Is Pasta Vegan”

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1. Lemon-Dill Orzo Salad with Cucumber & Peas 🍋🌿

Flavor Profile: Bright, herby, with a tangy zip

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked orzo (cooled)
• 1 cup English cucumber, diced
• ½ cup fresh peas (blanched)
• ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped
• Dressing:
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp maple syrup
  • 1 clove garlic, minced

Step-by-Step

1. Whisk dressing ingredients.
2. Toss with orzo, cucumber, peas, and dill.
3. Chill 1+ hour for flavors to meld.

Pro Tip: Add 1 tbsp capers for briny depth.

Storage: Keeps 3 days refrigerated.

Source: The Vegan Meal Prep Cookbook by JL Fields

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2. Thai Peanut Noodle Salad 🥜🌶️

Flavor Profile: Creamy, spicy, with crunch

Ingredients

• 8 oz rice noodles (cooked & cooled)
• 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
• ½ cup carrots, julienned
• ¼ cup peanuts, crushed
• Dressing:
  • 3 tbsp peanut butter
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp sriracha

Step-by-Step

1. Whisk dressing with 2 tbsp warm water until smooth.
2. Toss with noodles and veggies.
3. Top with peanuts and fresh cilantro.

Hack: Use spiralized zucchini for a lower-carb option.

Source: Asian Vegan Kitchen by Hema Parekh

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3. Mediterranean Farfalle Salad 🍅🏺

Flavor Profile: Briny, fresh, with garlic punch

Ingredients

• 8 oz farfalle (cooked & cooled)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup kalamata olives, sliced
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• Dressing:
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 clove garlic, grated

Step-by-Step

1. Whisk dressing ingredients.
2. Toss with pasta, tomatoes, olives, and onion.
3. Fold in 1 cup baby spinach just before serving.

Pro Tip: Add 1 tbsp vegan feta for creaminess.

Source: The Mediterranean Vegan Kitchen by Donna Klein

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4. BBQ Ranch Pasta Salad 🍖➡️🌱

Flavor Profile: Smoky, creamy, with a crunch

Ingredients

• 8 oz rotini (cooked & cooled)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• ½ cup diced celery
• ½ cup vegan ranch dressing
• 2 tbsp BBQ sauce

Step-by-Step

1. Mix ranch and BBQ sauce.
2. Toss with pasta and veggies.
3. Top with crushed tortilla chips.

Hack: Add 1 cup chopped smoky tempeh for protein.

Source: Vegan Comfort Classics by Lauren Toyota

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5. Mango Curry Penne Salad 🥭🍛

Flavor Profile: Tropical, aromatic, with a kick

Ingredients

• 8 oz penne (cooked & cooled)
• 1 cup diced mango
• ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
• ¼ cup golden raisins
• Dressing:
  • 3 tbsp coconut yogurt
  • 1 tsp curry powder
  • 1 tbsp lime juice

Step-by-Step

1. Whisk dressing ingredients.
2. Toss with pasta, mango, pepper, and raisins.
3. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes.

Pro Tip: Use whole wheat penne for extra fiber.

Source: The Global Vegan by Ellie Bullen

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Vegan Pasta Salad Pro Tips

Pasta Choices

✔ Short shapes: Fusilli, penne, orzo (hold dressings well)
✔ Gluten-free: Rice noodles or chickpea pasta

Dressing Tricks

• Creaminess without mayo: Blend silken tofu, cashews, or coconut yogurt
• Prevent sogginess: Dress 30 mins before serving

Storage

❄️ Lasts 3-4 days in airtight containers.
🚫 Avoid freezing (veggies get mushy).

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Final Answer: Is Pasta Vegan in Salads?

✅ Yes! All these recipes use:

• Egg-free pasta
• Plant-based dressings
• Fresh veggies/legumes

Watch out for: Store-bought pasta salads with mayo or cheese.

Which salad will you make first? Tag #VeganPastaSalad!

Sources Recap:

1. The Vegan Meal Prep Cookbook (Orzo)
2. Asian Vegan Kitchen (Thai noodles)
3. The Mediterranean Vegan Kitchen (Farfalle)
4. Vegan Comfort Classics (BBQ ranch)
5. The Global Vegan (Curry mango)

Want Part 7? (Vegan pasta bakes? One-pot wonders? Comment requests!)** 🍲👇