Vegan Crack Pasta Salad

Name: Vegan Crack Pasta Salad
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: PT-490323H48M7S
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: ½ cup raw cashews, soaked; 1 Tablespoon unsweetened plain plant milk; 1 Tablespoon lemon juice; 2 Tablespoons water; ¼ cup distilled white vinegar; ¼ teaspoon reduced-sodium tamari; 2 teaspoons white miso; 1 teaspoon organic maple syrup; 1 Tablespoon nutritional yeast; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 Tablespoon dried minced onions; ¼ teaspoon dried ground mustard powder; ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 2 teaspoons freeze dried chives; ¾ teaspoon sea salt (+/-); 1/8 teaspoon black pepper (+/-); 2 cups frozen baby peas, thawed; 10 to 12 oz. fusilli pasta, cooked and cooled; ¾ cup red onion, fine dice; Freshly chopped chives

Published: July 10, 2025

by Sofia

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Kick up your pasta salad game with this creamy, delicious Vegan Crack Pasta Salad. Perfect for work lunches, picnics, potlucks, tailgates, and so much more! This dish stands out with its rich flavors and satisfying texture, making it a crowd favorite for any occasion.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deliciously Creamy: The cashew-based dressing provides a rich and satisfying creaminess without any dairy.
Quick Preparation: With a total prep time of only 25 minutes, you can whip up this salad in no time.
Versatile Dish: Ideal for various occasions, from casual lunches to festive gatherings, it pairs well with many meals.
Nutritious and Wholesome: Packed with protein and fiber, this salad is both healthy and filling.
Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or spices to make it uniquely yours.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making the Vegan Crack Pasta Salad, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Importance of Each Tool

High-speed blender: This tool is crucial for achieving a smooth and creamy dressing that blends all flavors perfectly.
Large mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to toss ingredients without spilling over, ensuring everything is mixed evenly.
Colander: Use this tool to drain the soaked cashews easily before blending.

Ingredients

Dressing Ingredients

½ cup raw cashews, soaked
1 Tablespoon unsweetened plain plant milk
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
2 Tablespoons water
¼ cup distilled white vinegar
¼ teaspoon reduced-sodium tamari
2 teaspoons white miso
1 teaspoon organic maple syrup
1 Tablespoon nutritional yeast
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 Tablespoon dried minced onions
¼ teaspoon dried ground mustard powder
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried parsley
2 teaspoons freeze dried chives
¾ teaspoon sea salt (+/-)
1/8 teaspoon black pepper (+/-)

Salad Ingredients

2 cups frozen baby peas, thawed
10 to 12 oz. fusilli pasta, cooked and cooled
¾ cup red onion, fine dice
Freshly chopped chives

How to Make Vegan Crack Pasta Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Cashews

Place the cashews into a small bowl.
Cover them with boiling water and soak for about 20 minutes.
After soaking, drain the water and transfer the cashews to a high-speed blender.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

Add all remaining dressing ingredients along with spice/herb ingredients into the high-speed blender.
Process until smooth and emulsified.
Refrigerate until you’re ready to use the dressing.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine all salad ingredients including thawed peas, cooked fusilli pasta, red onion, and freshly chopped chives.
Toss gently to mix everything together.
Pour in the prepared dressing while tossing gently until all ingredients are well-coated.
Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving for best flavor.

Enjoy your delightful Vegan Crack Pasta Salad as a tasty addition to any meal!

How to Serve Vegan Crack Pasta Salad

Vegan Crack Pasta Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a picnic or simply enjoying a meal at home, here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

As a Main Dish

This pasta salad can be served as the star of your meal, providing a filling and nutritious option for lunch or dinner.

With Fresh Greens

Pair the salad with a bed of fresh spinach or arugula to add extra nutrients and crunch.

In Wraps or Pitas

Use the Vegan Crack Pasta Salad as a filling for wraps or pitas, adding fresh vegetables for an easy meal on-the-go.

Topped with Avocado

Enhance the creaminess by adding sliced avocado on top before serving, making it even more delicious.

At Potlucks

This salad is perfect for potluck events. Serve it in a large bowl, allowing guests to help themselves for an enjoyable communal experience.

As Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will meld together beautifully overnight!

How to Perfect Vegan Crack Pasta Salad

To ensure your Vegan Crack Pasta Salad is always a hit, consider these helpful tips.

Soak cashews properly: Make sure to soak your cashews long enough to achieve a creamy texture in the dressing.
Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference for maximum flavor.
Use seasonal veggies: Incorporate fresh vegetables that are in season for added taste and nutrition.
Chill before serving: Allowing the salad to sit in the refrigerator enhances its flavor as the ingredients meld together.
Experiment with herbs: Feel free to mix up the herbs used; basil or cilantro can add unique flavors.
Add crunch: Include nuts or seeds for an added texture that complements the creaminess of the dressing.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Crack Pasta Salad

Pairing side dishes with your Vegan Crack Pasta Salad can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options to consider:

Garlic Bread: A classic favorite, garlic bread complements the creamy pasta salad perfectly.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies provide color and additional nutrients alongside your salad.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can add sweetness and balance out the savory flavors of the pasta dish.
Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for a hearty accompaniment.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and brightness, making it an excellent pairing with the pasta salad.
Cucumber Salad: Light and refreshing, cucumber salad offers a crisp contrast to the creamy elements of the main dish.
Chips and Salsa: Crunchy chips paired with zesty salsa can be a fun side that elevates your meal experience.
Hummus and Veggies: Serve hummus with assorted raw veggies for a healthy snack that complements your pasta salad beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Vegan Crack Pasta Salad from good to great. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

Using dry cashews: Always soak your cashews before blending. This ensures a creamy texture in the dressing.
Skipping the chilling time: Refrigerating the salad allows flavors to meld together. Don’t rush this step for the best taste.
Overcooking pasta: Make sure your fusilli is al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy in the salad.
Neglecting seasonings: Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. A little salt or pepper can make a big difference in flavor.
Forgetting to thaw peas: Use thawed peas instead of frozen ones directly in the salad. Thawing enhances the texture and taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Keeps well for up to 3 days.

Freezing Vegan Crack Pasta Salad

Not recommended, as freezing alters texture.
If necessary, freeze individual portions for up to 1 month.

Reheating Vegan Crack Pasta Salad

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish and cover with foil until heated through.
Microwave: Place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat for 1-2 minutes until warm.
Stovetop: Heat on low in a skillet, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Vegan Crack Pasta Salad.

What is Vegan Crack Pasta Salad?

Vegan Crack Pasta Salad is a creamy, delicious dish made with fusilli pasta and vibrant vegetables, all coated in a rich dressing.

Can I customize the ingredients?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap vegetables based on what you have on hand or add protein sources like chickpeas or tofu.

How long does it take to prepare?

The total time for preparing Vegan Crack Pasta Salad is about 25 minutes, making it quick and easy!

Is it suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This salad stores well, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or packed lunches.

Can I make it gluten-free?

You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting fusilli pasta with gluten-free pasta options available at most stores.

Final Thoughts

Vegan Crack Pasta Salad is not just another side dish; it’s a delightful blend of flavors that you can enjoy anytime. Its versatility means you can customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll find it’s perfect for every occasion!

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