Vegan Caesar Pasta Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vegan Caesar Pasta Salad is a refreshing, creamy, and satisfying dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a hearty meal on its own. It combines the classic tangy flavors of Caesar dressing with tender pasta and crisp vegetables, all without any animal products. This salad is quick to prepare, packed with plant-based nutrients, and has a bold, zesty taste that will impress vegans and non-vegans alike.

Ingredients

• Pasta (such as rotini, penne, or fusilli)
• Romaine lettuce (chopped)
• Cherry tomatoes (halved)
• Cucumber (diced)
• Red onion (thinly sliced)
• Vegan Parmesan cheese (store-bought or homemade)
• Croutons (vegan)

For the Vegan Caesar Dressing:

• Cashews (soaked)
• Water
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic cloves
• Capers
• Nutritional yeast
• Salt and black pepper

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
2. In a blender, combine soaked cashews, water, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, capers, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped romaine, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
4. Pour the vegan Caesar dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
5. Add vegan Parmesan and croutons, tossing gently to combine.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
7. Serve cold, garnished with extra vegan Parmesan and croutons if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Chilling Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 55 minutes

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and croutons.
• Add Protein: Add chickpeas, tempeh, or grilled tofu for extra protein.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
• Extra Greens: Mix in kale or spinach for added nutrition.
• Creamier Dressing: Add more cashews or a bit of tahini to the dressing.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed cold; reheating is not recommended.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare the components separately and combine just before serving to maintain freshness.

FAQs

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, the dressing can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

What type of pasta works best for this salad?

Short pasta like rotini, penne, or fusilli works well as they hold the dressing nicely.

How do I make the dressing creamier?

Add more soaked cashews or a tablespoon of tahini for a creamier texture.

Can I use store-bought vegan Caesar dressing?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a good-quality vegan Caesar dressing works perfectly.

How do I keep the croutons crunchy?

Add croutons just before serving to prevent them from getting soggy.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it’s great for meal prep. Store the dressing separately and toss before eating.

Can I substitute the cashews in the dressing?

Yes, you can use sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.

How long does the salad stay fresh?

It stays fresh for up to 3 days when stored in the refrigerator.

What other vegetables can I add?

Try adding bell peppers, avocado, or shredded carrots for extra color and flavor.

Can I freeze this salad?

Freezing is not recommended as the vegetables and dressing will lose their texture upon thawing.

Conclusion

Vegan Caesar Pasta Salad is a flavorful, creamy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its plant-based ingredients make it a healthy choice, while the rich, zesty Caesar dressing provides all the classic flavors you love. Easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite add-ins, this salad is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

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