Vegan Crack Pasta Salad

Name: Vegan Crack Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: ½ cup raw cashews; 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 8, 2025

by eva

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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 salad offers a unique blend of flavors and textures that will delight everyone at the table.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: This Vegan Crack Pasta Salad comes together in just 25 minutes, making it a quick option for busy days.
Creamy and Flavorful: The cashew-based dressing provides a rich and creamy texture that’s full of flavor without any dairy.
Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or a side dish at gatherings. It’s suitable for various occasions, from casual lunches to festive parties.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutritious ingredients like peas and whole grain pasta, this salad is both satisfying and nourishing.
Make Ahead: Perfect for meal prep! Just store it in the fridge, and it gets even tastier as the flavors meld together.

Tools and Preparation

To whip up this delightful Vegan Crack Pasta Salad, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These will help ensure that everything goes smoothly during preparation.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Food processor or high-speed blender
Large mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Pot for cooking pasta
Colander for draining pasta

Importance of Each Tool

Food processor or high-speed blender: Essential for creating that creamy dressing that makes this salad irresistible.
Large mixing bowl: Provides plenty of space to mix all your ingredients without making a mess.
Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accurate measurements for consistent results every time you make the salad.

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 with boiling water and soak for about 20 minutes.
Drain off the water before transferring the soaked cashews to a high-speed blender.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

Add all remaining dressing ingredients (including spices and herbs) into the blender with the soaked cashews.
Process until smooth and emulsified.
Refrigerate the dressing until you’re ready to use it.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine all salad ingredients (peas, pasta, red onion).
Toss gently to mix everything well.
Pour in the prepared dressing gradually while tossing gently until all ingredients are coated evenly.
Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to let flavors meld together.

Enjoy your Vegan Crack Pasta Salad at your next gathering or as a satisfying meal on its own!

How to Serve Vegan Crack Pasta Salad

Vegan Crack Pasta Salad is not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve it in various ways to suit different occasions and tastes.

As a Main Dish

This salad can stand alone as a satisfying main course, especially on hot days when you crave something refreshing.

For Potlucks

Bring this pasta salad to your next potluck. Its creamy texture and vibrant flavors will impress guests and make it a hit at any gathering.

With Grilled Vegetables

Pair the salad with grilled vegetables for a hearty meal. The smoky flavor of the veggies complements the creamy dressing beautifully.

In Lunch Boxes

Pack Vegan Crack Pasta Salad in lunch boxes for work or school. It holds up well and makes for a nutritious, quick meal on-the-go.

As a Picnic Treat

This salad is perfect for picnics! Easy to transport and serve, it’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.

With Fresh Herbs

Garnish with freshly chopped chives or parsley before serving. This adds color and an extra burst of flavor.

How to Perfect Vegan Crack Pasta Salad

To ensure your Vegan Crack Pasta Salad is absolutely perfect, consider these helpful tips.

Soak cashews properly: Make sure to soak your cashews in boiling water for at least 20 minutes. This makes them easier to blend into a creamy dressing.
Taste before serving: Adjust seasoning levels after mixing all ingredients. You can add more salt, pepper, or vinegar to suit your taste preferences.
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and vegetables enhance the flavor profile of your salad. Opt for fresh peas instead of frozen if available.
Chill before serving: Allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator for about an hour lets the flavors meld together nicely.
Customize add-ins: Feel free to add other ingredients like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for extra crunch and flavor.
Store leftovers correctly: Keep any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days for maximum freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Crack Pasta Salad

Pair your Vegan Crack Pasta Salad with these delightful side dishes to create a balanced meal.

Garlic Bread: A crunchy garlic bread complements the creamy pasta salad perfectly and is always a favorite at gatherings.
Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a fun, summery touch that pairs beautifully with the flavors of your pasta salad.
Crispy Roasted Chickpeas: These provide a crunchy contrast while adding protein, making them an excellent side option.
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: Packed with nutrients, this refreshing quinoa salad offers contrasting flavors that enhance your dining experience.
Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers stuffed with rice and beans make a hearty side that matches well with the pasta salad’s creaminess.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity that balances out the richness of the Vegan Crack Pasta Salad.
Baked Sweet Potato Fries: These sweet potato fries are healthy and delicious, providing another layer of flavor to your meal.
Zucchini Fritters: Lightly fried zucchini fritters are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a great accompaniment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

Skipping the soaking step: Not soaking cashews can lead to a grainy dressing. Make sure to soak them for at least 20 minutes for a creamy texture.
Not balancing flavors: Overdoing vinegar or salt can overpower the dish. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning gradually.
Using undercooked pasta: Undercooked pasta may not absorb flavors well. Ensure your fusilli is cooked al dente for the best texture.
Ignoring chilling time: Serving immediately may result in a less cohesive flavor. Refrigerate the salad for at least an hour before serving to let flavors meld.
Forgetting fresh herbs: Freshly chopped chives add a burst of flavor. Don’t skip this step; they enhance both taste and presentation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Consume within 3-5 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Vegan Crack Pasta Salad

Freezing is not recommended due to the texture of ingredients after thawing.
If necessary, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.

Reheating Vegan Crack Pasta Salad

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm in a covered dish until heated through.
Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warm.
Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Vegan Crack Pasta Salad that might help you enjoy this dish even more!

What is Vegan Crack Pasta Salad?

Vegan Crack Pasta Salad is a creamy, flavorful dish made with pasta, cashew-based dressing, and fresh veggies. It’s perfect for any occasion!

Can I customize my Vegan Crack Pasta Salad?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables or protein sources like chickpeas or tofu to suit your taste preferences.

How do I make this salad gluten-free?

Simply use gluten-free fusilli or any other gluten-free pasta option available in stores.

What should I serve with Vegan Crack Pasta Salad?

This salad pairs well with grilled veggies, tofu steaks, or even as a side for sandwiches and wraps.

Final Thoughts

Vegan Crack Pasta Salad is not just delicious; it’s versatile too! Perfect for lunchboxes or gatherings, you can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients. Try making it today and enjoy its creamy goodness!

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