Mediterranean Vegan Pasta Salad

This quick, easy vegan pasta salad is loaded with fresh, bright, vibrant Mediterranean vegetables and a tangy vinaigrette. A fresh, crowd-pleasing summery Mediterranean pasta salad for BBQs, potlucks, picnics, and mid-week meals!

Simple and Nutritious Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Quick and easy pasta dishes are a satisfying, crowd-pleasing go-to for low-budget families everywhere no matter the time of year. However, during the warmer summer months, we love light, simple options like amazing avocado pesto pasta and vibrant summer-friendly vegan pasta salad recipes packed with vibrant flavors, nutrients, and textures.

You can pull together an easy vegan pasta salad in no time and pack it with cost-effective, fresh, tasty mix-ins for a nutritious, filling, meal-prep friendly meal. They’re super customizable to what’s in season and what you have on hand, too! For example, this version is a cold Mediterranean pasta salad recipe, loaded with olives, onion, bell pepper, cucumber, tomatoes, chickpeas, and a vibrant vinaigrette.

You might enjoy our vegan lemon-garlic Mediterranean quinoa salad, Southwest Quinoa salad, Mediterranean pearl couscous salad, or orzo chickpea salad.

The Ingredients and Substitutes

For more flavor: Optionally add a small amount of fresh garlic (or garlic powder), dried herbs (like dried oregano, basil, or Italian seasoning), red pepper flakes for heat, mustard for zingy heat, and/or maple syrup or agave to balance the acidity.  

What Could I Add to A Vegan Cold Pasta Salad?

• Roasted Mediterranean vegetables: Replace or add to the salad vegetables with roasted veggies like bell pepper, zucchini, and eggplant.
• Other vegetables: canned artichoke hearts, steamed broccoli, fresh zucchini (guide to zucchini), shredded carrot, mange tout, corn, or spinach/kale work particularly well.
• Avocado: Adds creaminess, antioxidants, and healthy fats. Add when serving.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Instead of fresh tomatoes, for robust, concentrated flavor.
• Vegan cheese: This Mediterranean pasta salad recipe pairs particularly with creamy vegan feta cheese, but vegan mozzarella or cheddar are delicious, too.
• Nuts/seeds: For added crunch, protein, and heart-healthy fats. I.e., pine nuts, walnuts, sunflower seeds, pine nuts, etc. Only add them when serving.
• Tofu/tempeh: To add more plant-based protein for a heartier healthy vegan pasta salad recipe. Marinated works best.

How To Make Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Keep scrolling to the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and recipe instructions.

For quick cooling, toss a small amount of oil with the pasta, then spread it across a large tray OR rinse it under cold water.

Recipe Notes and Tips

• Prepare the pasta in advance: To allow it to cool before adding the remaining ingredients. Rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it quickly.
• Cook the pasta al dente: But only slightly, so the pasta doesn’t become soggy as it sits but doesn’t firm up too much when chilled. 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions is usually the sweet spot.  
• For quicker prep: Use a mandoline or food chopper to help chop the various veggies quickly with minimal effort.
• Partially dress the salad while warm: Pasta absorbs dressing more while warm. For the perfect blend of flavor without the dressing completely disappearing, we add ½ the dressing while it’s warm and the remainder once cool.
• Experiment with the veggies and add–ins: This vegan/ dairy-free pasta salad is perfect for clearing out the fridge at the end of the week and experimenting with what you have on hand. Ensure you include a variety of color, flavor (sweet, fresh, tangy), and texture for the most satisfying and best vegan pasta salad.

FAQs

What To Serve With Vegan Pasta Salad?

You can enjoy this Mediterranean pasta salad as a side salad or light main (lunch or dinner) at potlucks, picnics, BBQs, or for a quick family-friendly meal, alongside:

• Vegan burgers or kabobs (like these vegan kabobs with marinated tempeh)
• Vegan buffalo cauliflower wings
• Grilled tofu steaks or tofu fillets with tomato herb pan sauce
• Healthy baked falafels (or a falafel wrap)
• With mezze – easy hummus, stuffed grape leaves, pita bread, etc.
• Grilled vegetables (like corn on the cob, eggplant, zucchini, and peppers, etc.)
• Lentil tabbouleh salad, vegan caprese salad, or a leafy green salad
• Other side salads (like vegan coleslaw or french potato salad)
• Vegan bruschetta, vegan focaccia bread, or garlic bread
• A simple fruit salad

Storage Instructions

Leftover Mediterranean chickpea pasta salad stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days total, though it’s best in the first 3 days, for the freshest, crispest vegetables.

Optionally, leave a small amount of the dressing to one side to liven up the summer veggie pasta salad between servings.