Fresh & Healthy Vegan Pasta Salad with Zesty Avocado-Almond Pesto

Inspired by: @pbsofia

Embrace the vibrant flavors of spring with this incredibly fresh and healthy vegan pasta salad, featuring a unique and zesty homemade avocado-almond pesto! Whether you're a seasoned plant-based eater or looking for delicious dairy-free meal ideas, this recipe is perfect for anyone seeking a quick, nutritious, and undeniably "yum" meal. It’s an ideal choice for a light lunch, a vibrant side dish, or a delightful potluck contribution that’s guaranteed to impress.

This recipe not only packs a punch of flavor but also offers a fantastic way to incorporate more whole foods into your diet. Get ready to elevate your salad game to "a whole other level" with this fun-to-make and super yummy creation!

Recipe Details

• Yields: 2 servings
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 100g spirals pasta (The original recipe used Cem Porcento Spirals with veggies, made from durum wheat semolina, dehydrated tomatoes, and spinach for added fiber and protein)
• 200g asparagus
• 80g cooked peas
• 80g strawberries
• A drizzle of olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

For the Pesto Sauce

• 1 avocado
• 40g unpeeled almonds
• 6 sprigs of coriander
• 6 mint leaves
• Juice of 1 lime or lemon (lime was used in the original recipe)
• 1 garlic clove
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Equipment You'll Need

• Large pot for cooking pasta
• Frying pan
• Large mixing bowl
• Food processor or blender
• Strainer

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the spirals pasta and a pinch of salt. Cook according to package directions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
2. Rinse and Cool Pasta: Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside.
3. Prepare Asparagus and Peas: Discard the tough ends of the asparagus and cut it into strips. Heat a frying pan with a little olive oil and sauté the asparagus for a few minutes until tender-crisp. Add the cooked peas to the pan and mix well, seasoning with salt and pepper.
4. Assemble the Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, sautéed asparagus, cooked peas, and the strawberries cut into slices.
5. Make the Pesto Sauce: In a food processor, add all the pesto sauce ingredients: avocado, unpeeled almonds, coriander, mint leaves, lime/lemon juice, garlic clove, salt, and black pepper. Process until creamy but still thick, retaining some texture from the almonds.
6. Combine and Serve: Pour the freshly made avocado-almond pesto over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Gently toss to ensure all ingredients are well coated.
7. Enjoy Cold: Serve the salad cold and voilá!

Tips & Variations

• Pesto Perfection: For a silkier pesto, you can blanch the almonds briefly to remove their skins before blending. If your pesto is too thick, add a tablespoon of cold water or a little extra lime/lemon juice until desired consistency is reached.
• Gluten-Free Option: Easily make this recipe gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free pasta (e.g., rice, quinoa, or lentil-based).
• Add More Greens: Boost the nutritional value by tossing in a handful of fresh baby spinach or arugula with the pasta.
• Protein Power-Up: For added protein, consider stirring in some grilled or baked tofu cubes, chickpeas, or white beans.

Community Love for This Recipe

This unique salad has quickly become a favorite, with the abillion community sharing their enthusiasm:

• "Yum yum 😋" and "It was so yum," exclaim users, highlighting the delicious outcome.
• Many were particularly intrigued by the strawberry and pasta combination, with one commenting, "Oooh strawberry pasta 😋," adding a delightful sweet note to the savory dish.
• The creamy avocado-almond pesto also caught attention, with a playful comparison: "Hahahah avocado-pesto ice-cream 🌱🍦."
• Overall, the feedback is clear: "Omg I am so going to try this recipe!!! Thanks for sharing, your salad looks scrumptious 😍" and "Looks fantastic!!! Thanks for the #recipe! 💚🤗"

Give this Fresh & Healthy Vegan Pasta Salad with Zesty Avocado-Almond Pesto a try today! Share your creations and let us know how you liked it on abillion!

Explore More Vegan Recipes

• Looking for another great pasta dish? Check out the Fresh Pea Pasta with Herbs recipe.
• If you loved the avocado in this recipe, you might enjoy the Creamy Vegan Avocado Toast.
• For more vibrant salads, don't miss the Summer Pasta Salad.
• Discover more delightful plant-based meals on abillion: Easy One-Pot Vegan Moroccan Chickpea & Vegetable Tagine.