Is it too early to be laser-focused on spring’s (and let’s be honest, summer’s) arrival? I’m going with a hard “no” because the cold weather is a bummer and I’ll take any excuse to get my mind off of it. Today’s excuse? Brought to you by the best vegan pasta salad recipes around. Packed with veggies and spring-y freshness, vegan pasta salad is easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Simply put, it’s a great way to celebrate the arrival of our favorite season. And regardless of your dietary preferences, these recipes are an easy way to pack in all the vibrant veggies. Because whether we like it or not, spring break is fast approaching. Gulp.
Looking ahead, one of my favorite things about the spring season is its produce. Fruits start tasting sweeter, veggies become more colorful, and everything is just a little bit springy-er. And it’s all thanks to the warm weather (and an abundance of pastels, pollination, fresh blooms and all that’s good about the season to come). With each day that we inch closer toward this bright, sunny, and optimistic season, I find myself seeking out recipes that reflect its joy. In this case, it’s vegan pasta salad. Easy to make, full of vegetables, and undeniably spring-y, pasta salad is the perfect picnic partner or afternoon accomplice to help you ring in the season. With that being said, keep scrolling to discover some incredible vegan pasta salad recipes that will help you welcome spring with open arms and an appetite that’s ready to be satiated.
Summer Pasta Salad
Why We Love It: Grilled veggies showcase their prized, caramelized flavors in this 30-minute pasta salad that you’ll be making all spring long. It’s simple, flavorful, and full of protein. If you’re keeping it vegan, you can nix the mozzarella or opt for a dairy-free version (trust me—they exist and are totally delicious!).
Hero Ingredient: Buttery edamame joins an impressive lineup of veggies to bring a healthy dose of protein to the party. Prepare to eat the rainbow.
Get the recipe for Summer Pasta Salad.
Vegan Pasta Salad from Love & Lemons
Why We Love It: If you’re looking for a little less pasta, this recipe calls for mixing spiralized summer squash in with the noodles. Or, you can use all pasta if you want! It’s your world—we’re just living in it.
Hero Ingredient: This one has so much goodness going on that it’s hard to pick just one hero ingredient. But, for the sake of continuity, I’ll go with the sunflower seeds. They’re small but mighty and bring serious crunch to each bite. The creamy tahini dressing is a close second, though.
Get the recipe for Vegan Pasta Salad.
Avocado Pesto Pasta Salad from Minimalist Baker
Why We Love It: Just 10 ingredients and 30 minutes go into the creation of this light and flavorful pasta salad. Again, this is a great time to use up some extra or expiring veggies. Slow-roasted tomatoes or artichoke hearts do really well here.
Hero Ingredient: Avocado pesto sauce is unbeatable on those springy fusilli noodles. Lemony, herby, buttery goodness.
Get the recipe for Avocado Pesto Pasta Salad.
Veggie Lovers’ Pasta Salad from Gimme Some Oven
Why We Love It: Feel free to open up your vegetable drawer and throw whatever’s staring back at you into this pasta salad. This recipe calls for zucchini, broccoli, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and red onion, but there’s no harm in going off-script if you have something to use up. Use it before you lose it, as they say.
Hero Ingredient: White balsamic vinaigrette is tangy, bright, and basically all the flavors I’ve ever wanted to wrap around my veggies and pasta.
Get the recipe for Veggie Lovers’ Pasta Salad.
Sesame Noodle Salad from What’s Gaby Cooking
Why We Love It: Does a sesame noodle salad count as pasta salad? I’m going to go with yes because my mouth is watering and I’m dying to make it. You should too.
Hero Ingredient: Soy sauce + lime + ginger + garlic = dressing heaven.
Get the recipe for Sesame Noodle Salad.
Roasted Broccoli Pasta Salad With Hemp Pesto from Minimalist Baker
Why We Love It: Roasting broccoli is one of my favorite ways to enjoy the tree-like vegetable and this gorgeously green pasta salad celebrates it. Topped with a hemp seed pesto and sun-dried tomatoes, this one is a real winner.
Hero Ingredient: Sun-dried tomatoes are both delicious and visually stunning in this recipe. Just look at that pop of color.
Get the recipe for Roasted Broccoli Pasta Salad With Hemp Pesto.
Roasted Vegetable Pasta Salad from Simply Whisked
Why We Love It: Sheet pan veggies take no time to prep and neither does this pasta salad. Topped with an herby Dijon dressing, you’ll want seconds of this.
Hero Ingredient: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Burst tomatoes are always a good choice. A world of flavor in each bite.
Get the recipe for Roasted Vegetable Pasta Salad.
Grilled Broccoli and Pepperoncini Pasta Salad With Basil from The First Mess
Why We Love It: This recipe combines all of your favorite Italian flavors with classic pasta salad. Olives, pepperoncini peppers, and red onion just scream Italian chopped salad. I’m all about it.
Hero Ingredient: Tangy pepperoncinis are hard to beat. Especially when they’re coated in lemony oregano dressing.
Get the recipe for Grilled Broccoli and Pepperoncini Pasta Salad With Basil.
Vegan Pasta Salad With Creamy Lemon Dressing from Eat With Clarity
Why We Love It: If you’re a pea hater, prepare to be converted upon first bite. This pasta salad showcases white beans, bell pepper, grape tomatoes, and more alongside twirly pasta and creamy lemony dressing. It’s a celebration of spring’s favorite little green giants.
Hero Ingredient: The dressing on this is really next level. With hemp hearts, dairy-free milk, garlic, and lemon, your pasta salad is in good hands.
Get the recipe for Vegan Pasta Salad With Creamy Lemon Dressing.
Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad from Rainbow Plant Life
Why We Love It: I don’t really know how else to say this, but this pasta salad is an absolute dream. There’s not an unseasoned component in sight and (!) it’s super easy to make. With spiced chickpeas, toasted pine nuts, preserved lemon, and sun-dried tomatoes, you’ll be adding this to your recipe book, stat.
Hero Ingredient: Preserved lemon peel brings all the zesty lemon flavor to this pasta salad that you didn’t know you needed. And there’s a basil gremolata involved so, there’s that too.
Get the recipe for Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad.
Have a favorite vegan pasta salad recipe that’s missing? Share it with us in the comments!
