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Home » Recipes » Vegan Lunch Recipes

Vegan Garlic Lovers' Pasta Salad

Modified on Apr 18, 2025 · Published on Jul 24, 2024 by Julie Gaeta · This post may contain affiliate links or sponsored content · Leave a Comment

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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.

Creamy Garlic Lovers' Pasta Salad

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!

Jump to:
  • Why you'll love this recipe
  • How to make this recipe
  • In the kitchen tips
  • What equipment you'll need
  • FAQ
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

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

Sautéed garlic mixing with pasta.
Pasta mixing with various ingredients for Garlic Lovers' Pasta Salad.

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.

Peas mixing into Garlic Lovers' Pasta Salad.
Spoon with Creamy Garlic Lovers' Pasta Salad.

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.
Garlic Lovers' Pasta Salad.

What equipment you'll need

  • Large pot for cooking pasta
  • Small skillet
  • Large bowl

FAQ

How long does garlic pasta salad last in the fridge?

It’s best to enjoy it within 2-3 days for the best flavor.

Can I add protein to my garlic pasta salad?

Absolutely! Grilled or baked tofu cubes, chickpeas, and white beans all work great.

What type of pasta is best for garlic pasta salad?

You can use any type of pasta you like, but short shapes like elbow, rotini, penne, or farfalle hold the dressing well.

Can I make this salad ahead of time for a potluck or picnic?

Definitely! The flavors develop even more when the salad chills for a bit.

Is garlic pasta salad healthy?

It can be. This recipe uses whole wheat pasta for added fiber, nutrient-rich vegetables, and heart-healthy olive oil.

Can I freeze garlic pasta salad?

It’s not recommended to freeze this salad, as the dressing may separate and the pasta can become mushy when thawed.

📖 Recipe

Creamy Garlic Lovers' Pasta Salad

Creamy Vegan Garlic Lovers’ Pasta Salad

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
Cook Time: 2 minutes mins
Total Time: 12 minutes mins
Servings: 6 servings
This 10-minute easy recipe is your new go-to for a quick, simple, and incredibly delicious cold pasta meal!
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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.
  • In a large bowl, prepare the dressing. Whisk together Vegenaise, lemon juice, thyme, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
  • Combine pasta, peas, dressing, garlic oil, and toss in parsley and optional vegan parmesan. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to blend flavors.

Nutrition

Calories: 431kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 556mg | Potassium: 243mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 459IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 2mg
Did you make this recipe?Mention @becomingyouwithjulie or tag #becomingyouwithjulie!
Cuisine: American
Course: Side Dish
Keyword: 20 Minutes or Less
Does it keep: up to 3 days in the fridge
Author: Julie Gaeta

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Welcome!

Hi, I'm Julie—a certified Holistic Health Coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, with advanced training in hormone health and a background in yoga teacher training.

As a plant-based recipe creator, writer, and single mom of nine, I share nourishing recipes, simple wellness tools, and honest stories of resilience, healing, and starting over—all grounded in real life.

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