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Vegan Creamy Lemon Chickpea Pasta Salad

Close-up of Vegan Creamy Lemon Chickpea Pasta Salad featuring fusilli pasta, chickpeas, red onion, and celery in a white bowl.
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A bright and satisfying vegan pasta salad featuring a creamy, dairy-free lemon dressing and hearty chickpeas, perfect for meal prep or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz pasta (rotini or penne)
  • 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 30 minutes and drained
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2-4 tablespoons water (for thinning)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse immediately with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the creamy dressing: Combine the soaked cashews, lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a high-speed blender. Blend until completely smooth, adding water one tablespoon at a time until you reach a thick, creamy consistency.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, rinsed chickpeas, chopped celery, red onion, and parsley.
  4. Pour the creamy lemon dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
  5. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt or lemon juice as desired.
  6. Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

  • Soaking the cashews is necessary for a smooth, creamy dressing texture. If you forget to soak them, boil them for 10 minutes instead.
  • This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it excellent for meal prepping.
  • For extra brightness, add the zest of one lemon to the dressing mixture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tasteportfolio.com/vegan-creamy-lemon-chickpea-pasta-salad/