This quick and easy Vegan Pasta Salad is ready in under 20 minutes and makes a colorful, healthy dish for picnics, barbecues, potlucks, or weeknight meals. Made with simple ingredients and bright roasted vegetables, it’s naturally vegan and family-friendly. The creamy Avocado Cilantro Dressing brings everything together — its richness is what makes this salad so addictive.
This pasta salad is a must-have for gatherings because it travels well, tastes great at room temperature or chilled, and appeals to both kids and adults. Because it’s vegan, everyone at the table can enjoy it — even meat-eaters often request seconds. It’s also easy to adapt for gluten-free diets by choosing a gluten-free pasta variety.
How to Make a Vegan Pasta Salad
The method is straightforward and flexible. Roast the vegetables to deepen their flavor, cook the pasta, then toss everything with the Avocado Cilantro Dressing. You don’t need any specialty ingredients — use whatever seasonal or pantry vegetables you have on hand. Roasting concentrates the flavors and gives the salad an irresistible char and sweetness.
Ingredients
For this recipe you will need:
- 1 green bell pepper, medium
- 1 yellow bell pepper, medium
- 1 eggplant (about medium-sized)
- 7 oz (200 g) cherry tomatoes
- 2 red onions
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 12 oz (340 g) short pasta (penne, fusilli, or similar)
- 1 cup Avocado Cilantro Dressing (or your preferred creamy dressing)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (basil, cilantro, or parsley)
Directions
Follow these simple steps to prepare the salad:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cube the green and yellow bell peppers and the eggplant. Halve the cherry tomatoes and quarter the red onions.
- Toss the prepared vegetables with the olive oil, salt, and pepper so they are lightly coated.
- Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a roasting pan or baking sheet. Roast on the middle rack for about 15 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
- While the vegetables roast, cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain well; there’s no need to add oil to the pasta while cooking.
- Combine the cooked pasta and the roasted vegetables in a large bowl. Toss with the Avocado Cilantro Dressing until everything is well coated.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve at room temperature or chilled.
Recipe Variations
This vegan pasta salad adapts easily to personal taste and pantry items. Swap the pasta type — whole wheat, chickpea, pea, or gluten-free short shapes all work well. Change up the vegetables depending on the season or what you have on hand. Root vegetables like potatoes or carrots need longer roasting times, so add quicker-cooking items such as cherry tomatoes partway through baking.
Suggested roasted vegetable options:
- Roasted radishes or turnips
- Roasted rutabaga (swede)
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Roasted carrots or zucchini
- Sweet corn (roasted or grilled)
Storing Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If the dressing has already been added, consume within 24 hours for best quality. If you store the roasted vegetables and pasta separately from the dressing, the ingredients will keep for up to 3 days—combine with dressing just before serving to preserve texture and freshness. For the best flavor, add the dressing right before eating.
Notes
- Roasting the vegetables is a key step — it brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth of flavor to the salad.
- This dish is highly flexible: swap, add, or omit vegetables based on preference and what’s available.
- Serve the salad as a side dish or a light main course; it pairs well with grilled proteins or plant-based mains.
Nutrition (per serving, approximate)
Calories: 190 kcal | Carbohydrates: 22 g | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 4 g | Fiber: 7 g | Vitamin C: 102 mg
If you enjoy this recipe, try pairing it with a creamy Avocado Cilantro Dressing for optimal flavor, or experiment with any vinaigrette you like. This easy, vibrant Vegan Pasta Salad is a reliable, crowd-pleasing recipe to keep in your meal rotation.