Calling all garlic lovers! This 15-minute easy recipe is your new go-to for a quick, simple, and incredibly delicious cold pasta meal. It’s packed with flavor, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a can’t-stop-eating lunch or dinner.
Do you ever have days when cooking something elaborate is the last thing on your mind? ️I know I do. 🙋♀ Some days, the best meals are the ones that come together effortlessly. That’s why this creamy garlic lovers’ pasta salad with creamy dressing is one of my go-to summertime staples.
It’s an easy win that takes very little effort.
I’m obsessed with the garlic lovers’ pasta from my local co-op deli — it’s my love language in food form (really). Luckily, it’s incredibly easy to make at home (and works like a dream for packed lunches too). But if you know anything about me, you know I can’t resist adding my own special touches. 😉
I love making pasta salad recipes like this one. Whether packing a picnic, prepping for a road trip, or simply craving a quick, satisfying dinner, this pasta always hits the spot. It’s a crowd-pleaser, too — even the pickiest eaters in my family love it!
I’m a self-proclaimed garlic fanatic, so I don’t hold back on this recipe. But feel free to adjust the amount of garlic to your liking (if you must!). The sweetness of the peas perfectly balances the garlicky punch, while the vegan mayo (Vegenaise is my favorite!) adds a creaminess that brings it all together. 😋
Delicious, healthy food doesn’t have to be complicated, in fact, I have a feeling you’ll be amazed at just how easy it is!
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Why you'll love this recipe
- Speedy: Ready in just 15 minutes, even on your busiest days.
- Flavor: This pasta salad recipe is bursting with bold flavor.
- Creamy & Dreamy: The vegan dressing is the perfect complement to al dente pasta and fresh herbs.
- Plant-Powered: It’s a delicious vegan meal packed with nutrients.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or protein for a more substantial meal.
- Picnic Food Ideas to Wow: This dish is sure to make the crowd go wild! Or maybe that's just their stomachs growling for more. Luckily, this pasta is ready in 15 minutes—talk about fast food for a feast!
- Did You Know: Garlic is packed with health benefits. Studies suggest it boosts immunity, helps lower blood pressure, and even helps inhibit the growth of certain cancer cells.
How to make this recipe
Add the cooked pasta and the Garlic-Infused Oil to a medium-sized mixing bowl.
Next, add the dressing and the freshly chopped curly parsley.
Add the frozen peas (if using), and give it a good stir!
For the best flavor possible, refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
In the kitchen tips
- Don’t Overcook Garlic: Cook until fragrant and just turning light golden brown (about 1 minute). Burnt garlic tastes bitter.
- Taste Test: Adjust seasonings to your liking before tossing with pasta.
- Make It Your Own: Add roasted vegetables, Vegan Sausage Crumbles, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
- Leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What equipment you'll need
- Large pot for cooking pasta
- Small skillet
- Large bowl
FAQ
It’s best to enjoy it within 2-3 days for the best flavor.
Absolutely! Grilled or baked tofu cubes, chickpeas, and white beans all work great.
You can use any type of pasta you like, but short shapes like elbow, rotini, penne, or farfalle hold the dressing well.
Definitely! The flavors develop even more when the salad chills for a bit.
It can be. This recipe uses whole wheat pasta for added fiber, nutrient-rich vegetables, and heart-healthy olive oil.
It’s not recommended to freeze this salad, as the dressing may separate and the pasta can become mushy when thawed.
📖 Recipe
Creamy Vegan Garlic Lovers’ Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta, we love elbow!
- 1 cup frozen peas
- ¼ cup chopped fresh curly parsley, optional
- 1 garlic bulb, or about 10 cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoon olive oil, extra virgin
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional, for a kick of heat
- ¾ cup Vegenaise, OR vegan mayo of your choice
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 15 turns black pepper
- Homemade Vegan Parmesan, optional, to top, you can also use store-bought Parmesan
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Meanwhile, prepare the garlic-infused oil. Sauté minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes in olive oil over medium heat until fragrant and light golden brown (1–2 minutes), stirring constantly to prevent burning and bitterness. Set aside.
- Combine pasta, peas, dressing, garlic oil, and toss in parsley and optional vegan parmesan. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to blend flavors.
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