CAESAR PASTA SALAD (VEGAN + WFPB)
Caesar Pasta Salad features pasta, crisp romaine, juicy tomatoes, and Crispy Roasted Chickpeas with a rich and creamy Vegan Caesar Dressing for a delicious quick and easy pasta dish!
Have ever wondered how Caesar salad would taste in a pasta salad? Probably not, but I’m here to peak your interest and tell you it’s AMAZING!
Why We Love This Recipe!
This creamy pasta filled salad is easy to make and uses whole food, plant based ingredients for a delicious well-balanced side dish or main entree!
- Healthy. It’s 100% vegan (dairy-free and egg free) and includes healthy plant based proteins, fiber, and vitamins. Plus, it’s an oil-free recipe for those looking to cut oils from their diet.
- Super easy! Ready in just 20 minutes, this salad is a quick and easy recipe perfect for those busy (or lazy) days!
- Make ahead. Preparing in advance is great for gatherings and meal prep!
What is in Caesar Pasta Salad?
Here’s a look at everything you will, including ingredient variations:
- Pasta – Use your favorite type of small pasta (elbow, rotini, bowtie, fusilli, macaroni, etc.).
- Caesar dressing – I’m partial to my homemade Vegan Caesar Dressing, but store bought will work too.
- Romaine – Feel free to sub with any other type of fresh, crisp lettuce.
- Crispy chickpeas – I used my homemade Crispy Chickpeas here, but seasoned croutons will do well too.
- Tomatoes – Use small cherry or grape tomatoes.
- Capers – These little briny flower buds can be optional.
- Salt + pepper – As always, use to taste!
- Parmesan – Make homemade Almond Parmesan or I recommend this store bought Violife Vegan Parm.
How To Make Caesar Pasta Salad
- Cook the pasta al dente. Rinse under cool running water to cool.
- Prep the romaine and tomatoes.
- Add the pasta, romaine, tomatoes, and capers to a large bowl.
- Pour the caesar dressing overtop and toss to combine.
- Serve with crispy chickpeas and vegan parmesan.
It’s that easy!
Now you’re ready to enjoy this savory and delicious creamy pasta salad!
Top Tips
- Add in 1 cup of shredded carrots for more color and crunch.
- Thinly sliced red onion would be great too and add even more color!
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon over top your salad for a burst of brightness.
How Long Will Leftovers Keep?
This pasta salad holds up well in the refrigerator and can be stored for up to 5 – 6 days in covered containers. Because it stores well, it makes it a great option for weekly meal prep!
If making specifically to store, I would suggest using a tad more dressing as the pasta may soak it up. Or have a little extra dressing on the side if needed. Alternatively, add a squeeze of lemon for added juiciness.
More Easy Pasta Recipes!
- Greek Pasta Salad
- Mediterranean Orzo Salad
- Quick + Easy Vegan Pasta Salad
- Lemony Asparagus Pasta Salad
- Favorite Vegan Macaroni Salad
If you try this easy pasta recipe or have a question, please let me know! Leave a comment and rate it below. I love to hear what you think, or any changes you make.
PrintCAESAR PASTA SALAD (VEGAN)
Caesar Pasta Salad is a delicious quick and easy salad perfect as an everyday side salad or main entree! It can be made ahead and stores well. Vegan, oil-free, WFPB recipe.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 – 6 1x
- Category: Entree, Side
- Method: boil, mix
- Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients
- 8 oz. pasta (rotini, fusilli, elbow, farfalle, ect.)
- 2 large heads of romaine, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
- 1 – 2 tablespoons capers, optional
- 1/2 cup Vegan Caesar Dressing
- Salt + pepper, to taste
To Serve
- 1 1/2 cups Crispy Roasted Chickpeas
- Almond Parmesan or shaved or grated Violife Parm
- Avocado, sliced or diced, optional
Instructions
Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions for al dente. Rinse the pasta under cool running water until cooled.
Prep: Ideally you will have the caesar dressing and chickpeas already prepared, so all you need to do is chop the romaine and slice the tomatoes.
Assemble the salad: In a large serving bowl (or pot the pasta was cooked in) add the pasta, romaine, capers, and tomatoes. Pour the caesar dressing over top and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Serve in individual bowls topped with Crispy Chickpeas, vegan parm, and any other optional toppings.
Serves 4 – 6
Store: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 – 6 days in covered containers.
Notes
Add more fresh veggies such as shredded carrots and thinly sliced red onion.
Although I like the roasted chickpeas best in this salad, you can use the more traditional croutons if you prefer.
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This was delicious ! Everyone (vegan and non vegan) raved about it!
Silly question , but this is meant to be served cool, right? I’m just wondering bc I plan on cooking my pasta and transporting it to assemble elsewhere for a baby shower
There are no silly questions! It can be served at room temperature or chilled. Enjoy the salad and baby shower! :)
Wow this was really good! I’m about 50/50 success/scrumptious rate on my plant based meals but I made this with chickpea pasta and it was a hit! I’ll definitely be incorporating this into the repertoire!
I made this recipe for meal prep and it was easy and delicious! Highly recommend :)
Love this salad so much! 10/10
I would love to make this as next weeks meal prep and I’m wondering if I coat it in dressing will it still be good to eat day 4? Or should I keep the dressing on the side ? I definitely like when it gets to sit for a while but I’ve never left it longer than overnight. Would the lettuce get soggy ?
Great question, Isabelle! Romaine is a pretty hearty leafy green, especially the lower, crunchy parts so I think it will be ok. Just be sure to use the freshest possible. Also, you may want to keep a bit of dressing on the side. The pasta may soak up some of the creaminess so adding a dollop at serving will bring it back. Enjoy your meal prep!
I’ve made this twice and absolutely love it. The first time I followed the recipe exactly. The second time I substituted fresh shredded Brussels sprouts for the lettuce. I didn’t have lettuce on hand and wanted to make it. I prefer the lettuce option but both versions are delicious!
Simple and delicious recipe! I will make this again and again!
I made this recipe tonight for dinner for our family and it is so delicious, flavorful and satisfying! Love that it is quick and easy too.