Vegan Artichoke Summer Pasta Salad
So it is no secret that artichokes are not so popular in most diets, but I beg you to give them a chance. Personally I buy them in a can because ain’t nobody got time to process fresh ones. Artichokes have a distinct flavor, they are like in between asparagus and celery. When prepared properly such as in this summer pasta salad they can add bulk and nutrition to any plate.
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What ingredients does a pasta salad need?
In my humble opinion, you need a tangy element such as the sun dried tomatoes in this recipe along with some fat. Don’t go yet yes I said fat. That’s right no vegan mayo here, but I did try it and man it was delish. In this rendition of pasta salad I used the oil in the sun dried tomatoes so no ingredient goes to waste. And what is even more awesome is that you can interchange the pasta with your favorite gluten-free version or any high protein pasta of choice. For some extra summer freshness I love adding flat leaf parsley, but just one to two tablespoons, because then it will just be overwhelming. Another vegetable that I love adding to pasta salads is zucchini. When cooked to perfection zucchinis add such a lovely flavor and density. And not to mention very low caloric count if you are watching your diet like I am. Now any summer salad would be nothing without some acidity. So for that acidic touch I love adding lemon or lime juice to freshen up the flavors right before serving. And as an extra touch don’t forget the red pepper flakes if you are into spicyiness.
How to store vegan pasta salad?
After preparing your pasta salad feel free to serve it hot or cold, either way it is a flavor bomb in your mouth. However, I did find that it was much more tasteful when it was slightly warmish. Remember to add limon juice right before serving. And when you are done eating and have left overs, which I doubt, cover it in an air tight container and store it in the refrigerator. This pasta salad is good for a week and should not be frozen….never, ever, ever. For extra added protein you can add chickpeas or simply use high protein pasta like I mentioned earlier. Don’t like chickpeas feel free to add tofu cubes or edamame. Personally, I had this pasta salad with air fried tofu steaks on one day and the next I had it with a Beyond Burger patty and it was so good with either combination. Feel free to take this pasta salad on the go to picnics, barbecues, holiday parties, camping, or a day out at the beach. I pinky promise you will not be disappointed.
Vegan Artichoke Summer Pasta Salad
Equipment
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- 1 Stock Pot
- 1 Slotted Spoon
- 1 Colander
- Stove
Ingredients
- 1 12 Ounce Box Penne Pasta
- 1 Tablespoon Sea Salt
- 1 14.6 Ounce Can Quartered Artichoke Hearts
- 1 8.5 Ounce Jar Sun Dried Tomatoes
- 1 Large Zucchini
- 1-2 Tablespoons Flat Leaf Parsley
- 1 Whole Lime/Lemon
- 1 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 Teaspoon Freshly Cracked Black Pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the zucchini, artichokes, and sun dried tomatoes by chopping them to your desired sizes and have them ready so you can easily reach for them. Remember to reserve the oil from the sun dried tomatoes.
- On your stove bring 12 cups of water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions.
- The cooking instructions may say 12-15 minutes like mine, once the pasta is on it's last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking add your chopped zucchini to the pasta and cook lightly so that it does not become mush. Then drain your pasta using the colander.
- In a large mixing bowl add all of the ingredients. Remember you are also adding the oil from the sun dried tomatoes here.
- Mix to combine.
- Garnish with parsley, black pepper, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes for a little kick.
super tasty and flavourful recipe
Thank you
Yummm, this was the perfect side dish for our BBQ today! Thank you so much for the recipe
Yes.
Such a fabulous recipe! I’ll be making this pasta salad recipe all summer long!
Hope you loved it.
The dressing for this was so simple to make. I am really into pasta salads right now and this one was great. Thanks for making a recipe that calls for lime or lemon. I never have lime on hand lol.
Artichokes are such a great summer vegetable. This salad is delightful.
Thank you Sean.
So simple but tasty! Great for summer.
Thank you Judith.
I loved the artichokes in this!
One of my new go-to dinner meals! It’s a simple, straight forward recipe that turns out absolutely scrumptious. Thanks for sharing!
flavourful and the family couldn’t get enough of this ! Now i’m going to make it again tonight!
Incredible pasta salad! The artichokes are perfect!
Definitely going to make this! I just need to get to the grocery store and get some artichoke hearts. Tasty!
So Delicious and easy to make. I loved the sun-dried tomatoes in this one! Will definitely be making again.
such a delicious and flavorful salad! love it!
Made this for lunch today. So goood! Plan on making it again for this weekends BBQ
This sounds perfect for me and my husband, thanks!
love the balance of flavours where the artichoke wasn’t too sour or overpowering!
Love a summer pasta!