Creamy vegan pasta salad

Step by Step

Step 1

First, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add rotini and cook until al dente.

Step 2

While pasta is boiling, place all of the ingredients for the cashew pesto into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Depending on how juicy your lemon was, you may need to add more water. The consistency should be thick and creamy. Set aside for later!

Step 3

Once pasta is al dente, remove from stove and strain in the sink. Run pasta under cold water and set aside.

Step 4

Last, prep the vegetables for the pasta salad. Half the cherry tomatoes, rinse and strain garbanzo beans, half the kalamata olives, chop the cucumber, and thinly slice red the onion. Place veggies into a large bowl and add pasta. Mix until combined.

Step 5

Finally, add in cashew pesto and mix until everything is generously coated.

Step 6

Place in the refrigerator for at least an hour and then enjoy!

Tips and Warnings

Soak your cashews in water for 8 hours or overnight. This will soften them a bit and allow them to be blended into pesto.
Option to use raw or roasted garlic. We tried both ways and really enjoyed the roasted variation.