VEGAN TUNA PASTA SALAD
Ditch the tuna and embrace the flavor with this Vegan Tuna Pasta Salad! This vibrant vegan pasta salad bursts with protein-rich chickpeas, crunchy & zesty aromatics, and a creamy vegan dressing. Perfect for potlucks, side dishes, or an easy weeknight meal!
PLANT-POWERED TUNA SUBSTITUTE
Ditch the tuna, not the taste! We’ve packed this vibrant salad with mashed chickpeas that mimic the texture of tuna and Old Bay Seasoning to add a subtle seafood essence, creating a delightful vegan twist on a classic.
CREAMY PASTA SALAD
Dive into a world of creamy and crunchy! Tender pasta gets enveloped in a luscious vegan dressing, while vibrant red onion and celery bits lend a delightful textural contrast, making each mouthful a celebration.
SIMPLE STEPS FOR THIS TUNA-LESS PASTA SALAD
Prepare Pasta Reducing Recommended Cook Time
Fork Mashed Chickpeas
Dice Red Onion & Celery
Tuna-Less Pasta Salad Ingredients
STEP 1 – COOK THE PASTA:
Boil pasta according to package instructions, but reduce cook time by 1–2 minutes for a firmer texture.
Rinse under cold water until fully chilled.
Set aside to drain.
STEP 2 – MASH THE CHICKPEAS:
Drain and rinse chickpeas.
Use a fork to mash them in a large mixing bowl until no large chunks remain.
STEP 3 – PREP THE VEGGIES:
Dice red onion and celery.
Add them to the bowl with the mashed chickpeas.
STEP 4 – MIX THE DRESSING:
Add vegan mayo, Dijon mustard, nutritional yeast, Old Bay seasoning, and Nature’s Seasons (or salt and pepper) to the bowl.
Stir until well combined and creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning or mayo as desired.
STEP 5 – COMBINE WITH PASTA:
Add the cooked and cooled pasta to the bowl.
Mix gently until all ingredients are fully coated with the dressing.
STEP 6 – ADD PEAS:
Thaw frozen peas by running under cold water in a colander.
Drain well and fold gently into the pasta salad mixture.
STEP 7 – LET FLAVORS MINGLE:
Allow the salad to rest for at least 15 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Adjust salt and pepper to taste if needed.
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Vegan Tuna Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 Package Bow Tie/Farfalle Noodles (or favorite noodles like elbow or shell)
- 1 Can Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas) (15 oz)
- 1 Small Red Onion
- 3 Ribs Celery
- 1 C Vegan Mayo
- ¼ C Nutritional Yeast
- 1 tsp Dijon Mustard (or preferred mustard)
- 1 tsp Old Bay Seasoning
- 1 tsp Morton Nature's Seasons (or Salt & Pepper)
- 1 C Frozen Peas
Instructions
- Prepare noodles: For perfectly al dente noodles in your pasta salad, cook them according to the package instructions, minus 1-2 minutes. This ensures they retain their shape and won't become mushy as they absorb the dressing. Rinse noodles under cold water until chilled, then set aside.1 Package Bow Tie/Farfalle Noodles
- Mash chickpeas in the mixing bowl with a fork until large chunks are gone.1 Can Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas) (15 oz)
- Dice onion and celery and add them to a mixing bowl.1 Small Red Onion, 3 Ribs Celery
- Add vegan mayo, mustard, and all seasonings to the bowl and mix well until fully incorporated. Taste and add more mayo and spices as needed.1 C Vegan Mayo, ¼ C Nutritional Yeast, 1 tsp Dijon Mustard, 1 tsp Old Bay Seasoning, 1 tsp Morton Nature's Seasons (or Salt & Pepper)
- Add pasta to the bowl and mix until fully incorporated.
- Gently thaw frozen peas in a colander under running water. Once thawed, add them to the bowl and gently fold together.1 C Frozen Peas
- Allow salad to rest for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld before eating.
To Serve
- For the best flavor, let the pasta salad sit for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Salt & pepper to taste (adjust to your preference)
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FAQ'S FOR THIS VEGAN TUNA PASTA SALAD RECIPE
1. Can I make this Vegan Tuna Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to fully meld. Just give it a stir before serving and add a little extra vegan mayo if it seems dry.
2. What can I use instead of chickpeas for the “tuna” texture?
If you’re out of chickpeas, white beans like cannellini or great northern beans work well. They mash easily and still provide that hearty, flaky texture in this plant-based tuna salad.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Simply swap the regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free variety to enjoy a completely gluten-free vegan pasta salad.
4. How long does this Vegan Tuna Pasta Salad last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, this salad will keep for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. It’s perfect for meal prep or quick lunches throughout the week.
