Vegan Crack Pasta Salad

Name: Vegan Crack Pasta Salad
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: PT-486630H58M41S
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 3, 2025

by Emilia

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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 recipe is not only bursting with flavor but also offers a creamy texture that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying a quiet meal at home, this pasta salad is sure to impress.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this salad comes together in just 25 minutes.
Creamy and Flavorful: The cashew-based dressing adds a rich creaminess that elevates the taste of the pasta.
Versatile: Perfect as a side dish or main course, this salad fits various occasions from BBQs to lunchboxes.
Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with peas and cashews, it provides a healthy dose of protein and fiber.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This salad tastes even better after chilling in the fridge for an hour or overnight.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Vegan Crack Pasta Salad, you’ll need some essential tools. These will help streamline your cooking process and ensure that everything runs smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

High-speed blender
Large mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Colander

Importance of Each Tool

High-speed blender: Ideal for creating a smooth dressing quickly and easily.
Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space to mix all ingredients without spills.
Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for best results.

Ingredients

Ingredients:

For the Dressing

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

For the Salad

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

How to Make Vegan Crack Pasta Salad

Step 1: Soak the Cashews

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

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

Add all the remaining dressing ingredients along with spice/herb ingredients into the blender. Process until smooth and emulsified. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, place all the salad ingredients. Toss gently to combine. Then add in the prepared dressing, tossing gently until everything is well coated. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving for best flavor.

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 gathering or just having a quiet dinner at home, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

As a Main Dish

Serve it chilled as a satisfying main course for lunch or dinner. The creamy dressing and hearty pasta make it filling and delicious.

At Potlucks

Bring this dish to potlucks or gatherings. Its unique flavor will impress your friends, making it a standout on any table.

With Grilled Vegetables

Pair the salad with grilled veggies for a complete meal. The smoky flavors of the vegetables complement the creamy pasta salad beautifully.

Next to Garlic Bread

Enjoy this pasta salad alongside warm garlic bread. The combination of flavors creates a comforting dining experience.

For Meal Prep

Pack it in containers for easy work lunches throughout the week. It stays fresh in the fridge, making it a convenient option for busy days.

How to Perfect Vegan Crack Pasta Salad

To ensure your Vegan Crack Pasta Salad turns out perfectly every time, consider these tips.

Soak cashews: Soaking cashews enhances their creaminess, resulting in a smoother dressing.
Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference before serving.
Chill before serving: Letting the salad chill for at least an hour allows flavors to meld together beautifully.
Add fresh herbs: Incorporate freshly chopped herbs like basil or cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.
Use seasonal veggies: Feel free to add seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrition.
Experiment with pasta shapes: While fusilli is great, try other shapes like penne or rotini for variety.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Crack Pasta Salad

When planning a meal with Vegan Crack Pasta Salad, consider these delightful side dishes that pair wonderfully with it.

Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet and smoky corn complements the creamy pasta salad perfectly.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crisp-tender Brussels sprouts add richness and texture to your meal.
Cucumber Tomato Salad: A light cucumber tomato salad adds freshness and crunch.
Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with quinoa can be a hearty addition.
Vegan Garlic Knots: These fluffy knots are perfect for dipping into the creamy dressing left on your plate.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad brings sweetness that balances the savory flavors of the pasta dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Creating the perfect Vegan Crack Pasta Salad can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.

Ignoring ingredient quality: Using low-quality ingredients can affect the salad’s taste. Always opt for fresh vegetables and high-quality spices for the best flavor.
Overcooking pasta: Cooking pasta too long can make it mushy. Aim for al dente to ensure your salad has a nice texture.
Not seasoning properly: Skipping on salt or spices can result in blandness. Taste as you mix and adjust seasonings as needed.
Forgetting to chill: Serving the salad immediately without chilling can miss out on flavor melding. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
Skipping the soaking step: Not soaking cashews may leave them gritty in texture. Soaking helps create a creamy dressing that enhances the salad.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
The salad lasts up to 4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Vegan Crack Pasta Salad

Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes in pasta and vegetables.
If necessary, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month, but expect some loss of quality.

Reheating Vegan Crack Pasta Salad

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread salad on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a non-stick pan, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Vegan Crack Pasta Salad that might help you make this dish even better.

What is Vegan Crack Pasta Salad?

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

How long does it take to prepare Vegan Crack Pasta Salad?

The total prep time is about 25 minutes. You’ll spend approximately 20 minutes soaking cashews and preparing ingredients.

Can I customize my Vegan Crack Pasta Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers, or swap out pasta shapes according to your preference.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta instead of regular fusilli.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Crack Pasta Salad is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Perfect for picnics and potlucks, you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or herbs. Give it a try and enjoy its creamy goodness!

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