Vegan Antipasti Pasta Salad

Summer is quickly approaching, and so is grilling season. This pasta salad, on the other hand, is a Mediterranean antipasti pasta salad with a delightful basil sauce that hides olives, filled tomatoes, and pickled mushrooms among other things. For anyone looking to try a new recipe, this one is well worth it and is sure to impress even your non-vegan friends!

Ingredients

For the salad

8 oz (225g) pasta of your choice (penne, fusilli, or bowtie work well)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1 cup marinated olives (green and black), pitted and halved
1/2 cup roasted red bell peppers, chopped
1/2 cup cucumber, diced
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
1/4 cup vegan feta cheese or vegan mozzarella, crumbled (optional)

For the dressing

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse the cooked pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped artichoke hearts, halved olives, chopped roasted red bell peppers, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and torn basil leaves.
Add the cooked and cooled pasta to the bowl with the other ingredients.
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss everything together until well combined.
If desired, sprinkle the vegan feta cheese or vegan mozzarella on top of the salad.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Before serving, give the pasta salad a quick toss to redistribute the dressing and flavors. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.