Get ready to transform your meal prep with the most refreshing and mouthwatering Lemon Vegan Pasta Salad that will have everyone begging for the recipe! This isn't just another pasta salad - it's a burst of Mediterranean-inspired flavors that will transport you to a sunny coastal paradise with every single bite. Perfect for summer picnics, quick lunches, or as a crowd-pleasing side dish, this recipe is about to become your new go-to meal that's not only incredibly delicious but also completely plant-based and nutritious!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and finely chop the red onion and parsley.
- Once pasta is cooked, drain in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta quickly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and chopped parsley.
- In a small separate bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the lemon dressing over the pasta and vegetables, tossing gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Before serving, give the salad a quick toss and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Use short pasta shapes like rotini or penne that can hold the dressing and catch small vegetable pieces.
- Cool Pasta Properly: Rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking and prevent clumping. This ensures a perfect al dente texture.
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the lemon dressing to infuse into the ingredients.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh, crisp vegetables and squeeze your own lemon juice for the most vibrant flavor.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add additional protein like chickpeas or tofu to make it more filling.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This salad can be prepared a day in advance, making it perfect for meal prep or potlucks.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 298kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
