Looking for a delicious and healthy vegan pasta salad? This recipe is perfect for summer get-togethers or as a side dish to your main meal. Follow these detailed steps to make a creamy vegan pasta salad that's both satisfying and flavorful.
#### Ingredients:
- 1 lb of elbow macaroni (or any pasta shape you prefer)
- 2 medium-sized cucumbers, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup cashew cream (instructions below)
- Optional: 1/2 cup crumbled tofu or vegan parmesan for extra richness
#### Cashew Cream Recipe:
- Soak 1 cup of raw cashews in water overnight.
- Drain the soaked cashews and blend them with 1/4 cup of water, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and some garlic powder (optional) until smooth.
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### Step-by-Step Guide:
#### Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
#### Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
- Dice the cucumbers, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper into small pieces.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Finely chop the fresh parsley and basil leaves.
#### Step 3: Make the Cashew Cream (if not already prepared)
- Soak cashews in water overnight.
- Drain and blend with water, lemon juice, salt, and optional garlic powder until smooth and creamy.
#### Step 4: Mix Ingredients Together
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced vegetables, chopped herbs, and the cashew cream.
- Drizzle olive oil over the salad and squeeze in the lemon juice.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- If using, add crumbled tofu or vegan parmesan for extra richness.
#### Step 5: Chill Before Serving
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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### Tips and Variations:
- **Substitute Pasta:** Use spiralized zucchini noodles or other types of pasta like penne or fusilli.
- **Add Protein:** Include cooked chickpeas, black beans, or grilled tofu for extra protein content.
- **Sweetness:** Add a few slices of red onion or some sliced apples to balance the creamy texture.
### Conclusion
This creamy vegan pasta salad is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins and minerals. It’s easy to customize based on your preferences, making it a versatile dish suitable for any occasion. Enjoy this vibrant, refreshing salad today!
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By following these steps, you can create a mouthwatering vegan pasta salad that's perfect for warm weather or everyday meals.