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5.0 from 6 votes

Vegan Pesto Pasta Salad

Fresh basil and pea pesto coats rotini pasta and heirloom tomatoes and is topped with toasted almonds for the ultimate vegan pesto pasta salad.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 363 kcal
Course: Side Dish , Main Course , Salad
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

For the Pasta Salad
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) rotini pasta or your choice
  • 1 pint Cherry or grape tomatoes halved (approx. 2 cups)
  • 1 cup frozen peas thawed
  • ¼ cup red onion finely chopped
  • ½ cup slivered almonds
For the Pesto
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves packed
  • ½ cup frozen peas thawed
  • ¼ cup Vegan Parmesan Cheese optional
  • 2 cloves garlic peeled
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice approx. half a large lemon
  • 1-2 tablespoons water if needed to thin
  • salt + pepper to taste

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. OPTIONAL: Preheat your oven or toaster oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) and line a small baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the slivered almonds in a single layer and bake them for 5-8 minutes, checking often towards the end of baking to prevent them from getting too dark. Remove from the oven and set aside.
  2. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package directions for "al dente" pasta. Immediately drain and transfer to a large bowl. Then add the remaining pasta salad ingredients to the same bowl and set aside. (NOTE: You may reserve some of the tomatoes, peas, and toasted almonds to garnish later.)
  3. Meanwhile, combine all your pesto ingredients in your blender and process until smooth. Then pour the pesto over the pasta salad and mix well.
  4. Refrigerate for 1 hour or longer and then garnish with reserved tomatoes, peas, and toasted almonds, and serve.

Notes

  • Salt your pasta water. Make sure to add enough salt to your pot of water for best texture and flavour. Here’s a handy guide to help you salt your water perfectly each time.
  • Cook your pasta al dente. Do not overcook! Al dente means that the pasta is still firm once cooked, giving optimal texture in every bite. To ensure your pasta does not overcook, start taste testing a few minutes before the package says it will be ready. It should be tender, but still firm.
  • This pesto pasta salad tastes great warm or chilled, so you may serve it right away, or refrigerate it for 1 hour or longer.
  • Leftovers keep in the fridge for 3-4 days in a sealed container or tightly wrapped bowl.

Nutrition Information

Calories 363cal (18%) Carbohydrates 60g (20%) Protein 15g (30%) Fat 8g (12%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g Monounsaturated Fat 4g Sodium 13mg (1%) Potassium 684mg (20%) Fiber 8g (32%) Sugar 9g (18%) Vitamin A 1719IU (34%) Vitamin C 43mg (48%) Calcium 90mg (9%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 363

% Daily Value*

Calories 363cal 18%
Carbohydrates 60g 20%
Protein 15g 30%
Fat 8g 12%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g 12%
Monounsaturated Fat 4g 20%
Sodium 13mg 1%
Potassium 684mg 15%
Fiber 8g 32%
Sugar 9g 18%
Vitamin A 1719IU 34%
Vitamin C 43mg 48%
Calcium 90mg 9%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.