As winter settles in, comfort food often takes center stage, but it’s also the perfect time to sneak in something light, fresh, and vibrant. Enter the Easy 6-Ingredient Vegan Pesto Pasta Salad. While it’s undeniably fresh and bright, this dish also has the comforting qualities we crave during the colder months.
The rich pesto brings warmth with its deep, herby flavors, while the pasta offers a satisfying bite.What’s wonderful about this recipe is its simplicity. You don’t need a lot of ingredients to make something truly special.
With just six basic components, you can create a flavorful dish that’s nourishing and satisfying without being too heavy. It’s a great option to balance out all those rich winter meals, especially when you’re craving something a little lighter.
The best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be made ahead, making it perfect for busy winter days when you need a quick meal that still feels comforting.
Let me know how it goes when you give this recipe a try—I’d love to hear how you make it your own!
What I Didn’t Expect About This Recipe!
- Light yet filling: The pesto adds richness, but the fresh flavors keep it light, perfect for balancing out the heavier meals of winter.
- Perfect for winter meal prep: I love making a big batch and storing it for a quick lunch during the busy holiday season.
- Easy and customizable: You can add roasted veggies or swap the pasta for gluten-free options—it’s so adaptable
6-Ingredient Vegan Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe
Equipment
- Spoon or spatula
- Large pot
- Colander
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- ½ cup sundried tomatoes
- 16 oz penne pasta or rotini
- 1 cup baby arugula
- 1 large cucumber chopped
- ¾ cup vegan pesto
- 1 cup peas
Instructions
- Cook pasta as directed on the package, then rinse with cold water.
- Combine cooled pasta with pesto, arugula, peas, sundried tomatoes, and cucumber in a large bowl.
- Toss well to coat.
- Serve chilled, and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Use high-quality pesto for the best flavor.
- Substitute arugula with spinach if preferred.
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 225kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 34g |
| Fibre | 3g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Protein | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 1g |
Variations That Will Help You Customize Your Dish!
- Protein Boost: Add chickpeas, grilled tofu, or your favorite plant-based protein for a heartier salad.
- Cheesy Touch: Sprinkle with vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast for a savory twist.
- Extra Veggies: Mix in cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or steamed broccoli for added color and nutrients.
- Nutty Crunch: Toss in toasted pine nuts, walnuts, or sunflower seeds for a delightful crunch.
- Zesty Upgrade: Mix a little lemon zest or red pepper flakes into the pesto for an extra kick of flavor.
