Plus, we’ve got the perfect gluten-free, vegan pasta for every recipe!
If you love pasta like we love pasta, you know that it can be enjoyed all year round. But if the idea of eating steaming bowls of pasta during the warmer months is not your vibe, it’s time to pivot to chilled pasta recipes for picnic dishes and prepped lunches alike! That’s right, we’re talking veggie-based pasta salads perfect for the warmer weather. Ready to dig in? We’ve got 10 chilled pasta salad ideas to enjoy this season, and a vegan pasta recommendation for all your cold pasta recipe needs! For some warm weather meal inspo, check out our list!
Grilled Tempeh Pasta Salad
This veggie-based pasta salad contains marinated, grilled tempeh strips and vegetables of choice, and is the perfect, memorable dish to pass at your upcoming summer potluck. Simply combine the ingredients and dress with a tangy Italian dressing!
Antipasto Pasta Salad
Loaded with chopped vegan deli slices, cubed cheese, diced olives, cherry tomatoes, and artichoke hearts, this antipasto pasta salad is one for the books! Dressed with olive oil and a dash of balsamic, this veggie-based pasta salad is perfect for packed lunches and potlucks!
Courtesy of VeggieCraft
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
This one is for our pickle lovers. Start with a creamy vegan sour cream and pickle juice-based dressing to coat the chilled pasta. Mix in chopped pickles, fresh dill, and vegan cheddar cheese shreds. If you ask us, the more pickles the better!
Macaroni Pasta Salad
A cookout classic, this vegan macaroni pasta salad often contains vegan mayo, vinegar, and a dash of sugar for the base. Macaroni salad also contains chopped veggies like celery, carrots, and onions served over elbow macaroni noodles. Customize with your favorite add-ons or enjoy it as-is.
Pesto Pasta Salad
Who said pesto pasta needed to be eaten hot? Create this tasty pasta salad combination chilled by pairing store-bought vegan pesto with chickpeas and diced sun-dried tomatoes. Top with vegan parmesan cheese and enjoy!
Courtesy of VeggieCraft
Caprese Pasta Salad
This veggie-based pasta salad is so simple yet so delicious. Combine your chilled pasta with cherry tomatoes, vegan mozzarella, torn basil, and a balsamic drizzle. Yup, it’s that simple! This pasta salad combination is perfect for warm weather parties and beyond.
Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Salad
To prepare this veggie-based pasta salad, lightly coat your chilled pasta with your favorite vegan ranch dressing. Next, mix your chickpeas with vegan buffalo sauce and top the pasta mixture. Lastly, stir in chopped celery for a little extra crunch.
Thai Peanut Pasta Salad
Thai peanut pasta salad? We are here for it! Dress your go-to chilled pasta with a combination of peanut butter, soy sauce, and canned coconut milk. Top with carrot ribbons, sliced red cabbage, cilantro, chopped peanuts, and green onions.
Tex-Mex Pasta Salad
For a real crowd-pleasing salad, add corn, black beans, diced avocado, tomatoes, cilantro, and onions to chilled pasta and mix with a simple vinaigrette. For a little extra Tex-Mex flair, top with a drizzle of spicy vegan mayo and diced jalapenos.
Caesar Pasta Salad
A marriage between chilled pasta and Caesar salad, this combo is a fan favorite. Combine pasta, chopped romaine, cooked and chilled vegan chicken, plant-based parmesan cheese shreds, and your go-to vegan Caesar dressing. It’s so simple yet so tasty!
Courtesy of VeggieCraft
This Veggie-Based Pasta Brand Was Made For All Your Vegan Recipes
Like what you see? We’re with you and we can’t wait to get into the kitchen and whip up these veggie-based pasta salad recipes. For both hot and chilled pasta creations, we’re choosing VeggieCraft pasta for its simple ingredients, high-protein content, and impressive lineup of veggie-based noodles!
VeggieCraft pasta is made with only three simple ingredients—peas, lentils, and vegetables, including cauliflower, sweet potato, and zucchini. The brand’s better-for-you pasta varieties are fully vegan, gluten-free, and loaded with protein and fiber. Enjoy elbow, penne, spaghetti, and rotini noodle varieties for all your plant-based recipes. Whether you’re preparing a hot noodle dish or a chilled, veggie-based pasta salad, VeggieCraft pasta is up for the challenge! Learn more at VeggieCraft.com.
