Vegan Greek Pasta Salad with Creamy Lemon Dressing
Fresh, Flavorful & Nourishing: Vegan Greek Pasta Salad
Looking for a vibrant, fiber-packed meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious? This Vegan Greek Pasta Salad is a celebration of fresh Mediterranean flavors and wholesome ingredients. Perfect for picnics, meal prep, or a quick yet satisfying lunch, this dish combines whole wheat fusilli, crisp vegetables, creamy avocado, and a tangy lemon-yogurt dressing for a burst of color, texture, and plant-powered goodness.
What makes this recipe special? It’s naturally dairy-free, loaded with fiber, and rich in heart-healthy fats, making it a balanced choice for anyone seeking a nourishing, flavorful meal. The combination of olives, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and yellow bell peppers delivers classic Greek-inspired taste, while the creamy, garlicky dressing—made with plant-based yogurt and avocado oil—adds a refreshing zing without heavy dairy.
Beyond its irresistible taste, this pasta salad is a wellness booster:
Whole grains for steady energy
Antioxidant-packed veggies for immune support
Healthy fats from avocado and olive oil for brain and heart health
Gut-friendly probiotics from the yogurt-based dressing
Whether you’re vegan, health-conscious, or simply craving a light yet satisfying dish, this recipe is a winner. Plus, it’s easy to customize—add chickpeas for extra protein or swap in gluten-free pasta if needed.
Ready to dig in? Let’s make a salad that’s as good for your body as it is for your taste buds! 🌿🍋
Vegan Greek Pasta Salad with Creamy Lemon Dressing
*Serves 2-4*
Ingredients
For the Salad:
8 oz (225g) whole wheat fusilli (or pasta of choice)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 small cucumber, diced (peeled if desired)
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
½ cup kalamata olives, pitted & halved
2 cups baby arugula
1 ripe avocado, sliced
For the Dressing:
2 tbsp plant-based Greek style yogurt (unsweetened)
1 tbsp lemon juice (plus zest for extra brightness)
1 tbsp sherry vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 small garlic clove, minced
2 tbsp avocado oil (or more olive oil)
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Cook the pasta: Boil fusilli in salted water until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
Make the dressing: Whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, vinegar, mustard, garlic, oils, salt, and pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Assemble: In a large bowl, toss cooled pasta with tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and olives. Pour dressing over and mix well.
Serve: Layer arugula on a platter or individual plates. Top with pasta salad and sliced avocado. Garnish with lemon zest or fresh herbs (optional).
Tips
Meal prep: Keep dressing separate until serving to prevent sogginess.
Add-ins: Chickpeas, red onion, or vegan feta for extra protein.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of oregano or crushed red pepper.
Enjoy your bright, crunchy, and creamy Greek-inspired pasta salad! 🌱🍋
Health and Wellness Benefits of Vegan Greek Pasta Salad
This Vegan Greek Pasta Salad is not only bursting with fresh, Mediterranean flavors but also packed with nutrients that support overall health and wellness. By combining whole grains, healthy fats, fiber-rich vegetables, and plant-based proteins, this dish is a well-balanced meal that promotes energy, digestion, heart health, and more. Below, we break down the key health benefits of its ingredients.
1. Whole Wheat Fusilli: Sustained Energy & Digestive Health
Whole wheat pasta is a complex carbohydrate, meaning it digests slowly, providing steady energy without blood sugar spikes. Unlike refined pasta, whole wheat retains its fiber, B vitamins, and minerals like magnesium and iron. The fiber supports gut health, aids digestion, and helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
2. Vegetables: Antioxidants, Hydration & Disease Prevention
Cherry tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to reduced inflammation and lower risk of heart disease.
Cucumbers provide hydration (they’re 95% water!) and contain silica, which supports skin and joint health.
Yellow bell peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C (even more than oranges!), boosting immunity and collagen production.
Arugula is a nutrient-dense leafy green high in vitamin K (for bone health) and nitrates, which may improve blood flow and exercise performance.
3. Healthy Fats: Heart & Brain Support
Avocado & avocado oil provide monounsaturated fats, which help reduce LDL ("bad") cholesterol while supporting brain function.
Olives & olive oil are staples of the Mediterranean diet, linked to longevity, reduced inflammation, and improved heart health due to their polyphenol content.
4. Plant-Based Yogurt Dressing: Probiotics & Creamy Satisfaction
The dressing uses unsweetened plant-based yogurt, which adds a tangy creaminess while offering:
Probiotics (if live cultures are present) for gut microbiome balance.
A dairy-free alternative that’s lower in saturated fat than traditional yogurt.
Lemon juice and garlic, which have antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties.
5. Balanced Macronutrients for Satiety
This salad provides a well-rounded mix of carbs, plant-based fats, and fiber, keeping you full longer and preventing energy crashes. Adding chickpeas or vegan feta (optional) would increase protein for muscle repair and metabolism support.
6. Low in Processed Ingredients
Unlike store-bought pasta salads loaded with preservatives and excess sodium, this recipe relies on whole, minimally processed ingredients, reducing the intake of additives and refined sugars.
Final Thoughts: A Nutrient-Packed Meal for Wellness
This Vegan Greek Pasta Salad is a delicious way to nourish your body with fiber, antioxidants, healthy fats, and essential vitamins. It supports:
✔ Heart health (thanks to olives, avocado, and whole grains)
✔ Digestion (fiber + probiotics)
✔ Stable energy levels (low-glycemic carbs + fats)
✔ Immune function (vitamin C, garlic, and zinc from veggies)
Perfect for meal prep, lunches, or a light dinner, this dish proves that healthy eating can be vibrant, satisfying, and full of flavor! 🌱💚
