Pasta salad season is HERE (in case you missed this post) and I hope you’re ready for it. If you’re like me and have imagined pasta salads as soggy, tasteless, and with more mayonnaise than pasta, then welcome to the new world of fresh, delicious pasta salads that you’ll really crave.
Over the years I’ve experimented with fun pasta salad flavors that capture everything summer has to offer. If you haven’t already, it’s time to put my street corn pasta salad on your menu.
A few years ago I took my fresh vegan Caesar salad and, you guessed it, added a pasta twist! The Vegan Caesar Pasta Salad is filled with a texture of crunchy chickpeas, juicy tomatoes, crunchy romaine lettuce and a tangy tahini-based Caesar dressing that you’ll want to pour over everything. Serve at your next BBQ or enjoy a high protein lunch any day of the week!
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What Makes This Caesar Pasta Salad Vegan?
Traditional Caesar salads and pasta salads are prepared with egg and sometimes anchovies in the dressing, and dairy Parmesan cheese. In this vegan version, we forego eggs, anchovies and dairy and add plenty of creaminess with a tahini-based vegan Caesar dressing and fresh avocado. You won’t even miss the cheese!
Everything you need to make a vegan Caesar pasta salad
This Easy Vegan Caesar Pasta Salad is made with simple, fresh ingredients but features bold flavors and wonderful textures you’ll crave. Plus lots of plant-based protein! Here’s what you need to prepare it:
- Pasta: I love using rotini or bowtie pasta in my pasta salad recipes, but you can use any shape you like (and gluten-free if you like).
- Dressing: We use my homemade tahini-based vegan Caesar dressing for that flavorful, creamy touch that makes pasta salads truly delicious.
- Romans: Just like with the classic Caesar salads, we chop up the crunchy romaine lettuce and mix it in.
- Avocado: The creamy chunks of avocado make this vegan Caesar pasta salad extra delicious.
- Tomatoes: Add some brightness and summer flavor with cherry or grape tomatoes.
- Roasted chickpeas: We love adding sea salt or farm-roasted chickpeas to give them extra crunch and a boost of plant-based protein. Try this homemade version with your own condiments if you like!
- Salt pepper: The key to a perfect Caesar pasta salad is to top it off with plenty of salt and pepper.
Spice up your pasta salad
The great thing about this vegan Caesar pasta salad is that it’s super easy to customize with whatever ingredients you have on hand (or fancy!). Here are some suggestions:
- Customize your vegetables. No more romaine lettuce? You are also welcome to use a kale base. This pasta salad also goes great with sliced Persian cucumbers, red onions, or even grilled corn.
- Add some cheese. If you’re not vegan, feel free to add a sprinkling of freshly grated parmesan cheese or feta crumble! This vegan parmesan would also be perfect.
- Use your favorite protein. If you don’t have roasted ones you can use regular canned chickpeas or add some delicious grilled chicken or even cooked chopped bacon if you’re not a vegetarian.
How to Make Vegan Caesar Pasta Salad
This recipe couldn’t be easier to make, making it the perfect quick and easy summer lunch or side dish.
- Boil your pasta. Start by cooking your pasta according to the package directions. Then drain and place in a large bowl.
- Make your dressing. While the pasta is cooking, you can prepare your vegan Caesar dressing.
- Mix the noodles together. Pour the dressing into your large bowl of pasta and toss to coat nicely.
- Add your toppings. Add the chopped romaine lettuce, sliced avocado, tomatoes, and roasted chickpeas and mix together.
- Season and serve. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper! Season the pasta salad well, stir and serve.
storage tips
Store leftover pasta salad in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Because of the romaine lettuce, it’s best to enjoy it as soon as possible so it doesn’t get soggy.
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I hope you love this Vegan Caesar Pasta Salad! If you make it, be sure to leave a comment and rating so I know how you liked it. Have fun, xo!
Vegan Caesar Pasta Salad
Fresh and delicious vegan Caesar pasta salad with creamy avocado, crispy roasted chickpeas and a flavorful homemade vegan Caesar dressing. This Vegan Caesar Pasta Salad is the perfect summer lunch or an easy side dish for your next potluck or cookout!
Ingredients
- 8th ounces Rotini or bowtie pasta (or pasta of your choice – gluten-free if desired)
- 1 Batch of vegan Caesar dressing
- 2 Romaine hearts, chopped
- 1 firm but slightly ripe avocado, diced or sliced
- 1½ cups halved cherry or grape tomatoes
- 1½ cups roasted chickpeas – we love the Biena Ranch flavor or sea salt (regular, unroasted chickpeas are fine too, but they have more flavor roasted)*
- Freshly ground salt and pepper to taste
instructions
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Cook the noodles according to package directions. Drain and then transfer to a large bowl.
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While the pasta is cooking, you can prepare the vegan Caesar dressing. Then add the dressing to the bowl with the cooked pasta until well combined.
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Next, add romaine lettuce, sliced avocado, halved tomatoes, and roasted chickpeas. Stir again until well combined. Add more salt and pepper to taste. Caesar salads usually require a decent amount of salt for the flavor to be perfect. So be generous with the salt and pepper! For 4 people.
Nourishment
Portion: 1Serving (based on 4)Calories: 588kcalCarbohydrates: 79.7GProtein: 19.5GFat: 24.7GSaturated Fatty Acids: 2.8GFiber: 12GSugar: 8.5G
Recipe by: Monique Volz // Ambitious Kitchen | Photography by: Eat Love Eats
This post was originally published on May 13, 2021 and republished on June 25, 2023.