Description
This Vegan Hemp Seed Pasta Salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish featuring al dente short pasta tossed with fresh vegetables and a creamy, homemade hemp seed ranch dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a side, this salad combines vibrant cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, bell peppers, and shredded carrots with a flavorful, herb-infused dressing made from hemp seeds, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar. Ready in under an hour and served chilled, it’s an ideal vegan and gluten-free option for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 10 oz short pasta (fusilli, rotini, or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/3 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded carrot
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Hemp Seed Ranch Dressing
- 1/2 cup shelled hemp seeds
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 small garlic clove
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried dill
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp dried chives
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Boil the short pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside.
- Prepare vegetables: While the pasta cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and red bell pepper, finely chop the red onion, shred the carrot, and chop fresh parsley. Combine all the prepared vegetables and herbs in a large mixing bowl.
- Make hemp seed ranch dressing: In a blender, combine shelled hemp seeds, water, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, garlic clove, onion powder, dried dill, dried parsley, dried chives, sea salt, ground black pepper, and optional olive oil. Blend the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning as needed to suit your preference.
- Assemble salad: Add the cooled pasta to the bowl of mixed vegetables. Pour the hemp seed ranch dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Finish and chill: Gently fold in the chopped fresh parsley to add a burst of freshness. Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve: Serve the pasta salad chilled or at room temperature. Optionally, garnish with additional fresh herbs for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
Notes
- This salad is best enjoyed chilled but can be served at room temperature if preferred.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.
- The dressing can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to add other fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for variation.
- For a creamier texture, soak the hemp seeds for 15 minutes before blending.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Vegan
Keywords: vegan pasta salad, hemp seed salad, healthy pasta salad, dairy free salad, easy vegan recipes, gluten free pasta salad
