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 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 lemon-garlic Mediterranean quinoa salad, Southwest Quinoa salad, Mediterranean pearl couscous salad, or orzo chickpea salad.

The Ingredients and Substitutes

• Pasta: It’s best to use small pasta shapes with lots of ridges to cling to the dressing. I.e., fusilli, rotini, penne, bowtie, etc. However, orzo and giant couscous will also work. You could even make a Mediterranean tortellini salad.
• Vegetable broth: (or salted water). Use regular or reduced-sodium broth.
• Vegetables: This Mediterranean pasta salad combines:
  • Red onion (or shallots)
  • Cucumber (use thin-peel, low-seed English or Persian cucumbers)
  • Cherry tomatoes/baby plum tomatoes (or larger tomatoes, chopped)
  • Bell pepper (Red/orange for a sweeter flavor or green for bitter)
  • Black olives (or kalamata olives)
• Chickpeas: (Garbanzo beans) or white beans, like cannellini/ butter beans, add fiber and plant-based protein to this recipe for Mediterranean pasta salad.

The Vegan Pasta Salad Dressing

• Olive oil: It’s best to use extra-virgin olive oil with a mild flavor.
• Lemon: Fresh lemon juice is best, and adds a wonderfully bright, tangy flavor.
• Balsamic vinegar: (or red wine vinegar/apple cider vinegar) will add slightly sweet and tangy depth to the dressing.
• Fresh parsley: This adds a wonderful herby freshness. Basil and/or green onions would also work well.
• Salt & black pepper: To season to taste.

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, 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.

• 1) First, cook the pasta in the vegetable broth (or salted water) according to the package instructions but minus 1-2 minutes, until al dente. Then drain it well and set the pasta aside to cool.

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.

• 2) Meanwhile, prepare the Mediterranean vegetables by finely dicing the red onion, bell pepper, and cucumber, and halving the cherry tomatoes.

• 3) Also, juice the lemon and combine all the dressing ingredients in a small bowl.

• 4) Combine all the Mediterranean pasta salad ingredients in a large serving bowl and toss well to combine.

For the most flavorful vegan Mediterranean pasta salad, add a portion of the dressing to the pasta while it’s still slightly warm. Add the rest once the pasta is cool.

• 5) Leave it to rest for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to meld. Serve and enjoy!

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
• Cauliflower wings
• Tofu steaks or marinated tofu
• Falafels (or a falafel wrap)
• With mezze – hummus, stuffed grape leaves, pita bread, etc.
• Grilled vegetables (like corn on the cob, eggplant, zucchini, and peppers, etc.)
• Tabbouleh salad, caprese salad, or a leafy green salad
• Other side salads (like coleslaw or potato salad)
• Vegan bruschetta, focaccia, 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.

More Hearty Salad Recipes

• Artichoke quinoa salad
• Warm soba salad with cucumbers
• Tanzanian quinoa salad with grapefruit and avocado
• Wild rice fall salad
• Greek millet salad
• Simple Farro salad
• Peanut Noodle Salad [Glass Noodle Salad]

Photos by Alfonso Revilla