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    Home » Recipes » Pasta

    Published: May 20, 2017 · Modified: Jun 30, 2021 by Mary Ellen · THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS · AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE I EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES.

    Vegan Ranch Pasta Salad

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    This tasty 20-minute Vegan Ranch Pasta Salad is easy to make and much healthier than boxed pasta salads because it uses real plant-based foods such as carrots, peas, and tempeh. It's perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or parties and is gluten and dairy-free!

    Vegan Ranch Pasta Salad

    BBQs, picnics, and potlucks are such fun ways to celebrate with family and friends. I'm always looking for something delicious to bring to impress people and show them how tasty a plant-based diet can be like with some Street Fair Corn, Grilled Tofu Steaks, or Ramen Noodle Salad.

    In my pre-veg days, one of my favorite foods at our family BBQs used to be that boxed Betty Crocker Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad. Though it was not the healthiest thing in the world, I loved it anyway. So much so that I usually ate like half the box myself!

    Because I missed having that pasta salad during our BBQs, I decided to create a recipe that was healthier and plant-based that everyone would enjoy. So I came up with this copycat recipe that my whole family has loved (including omnivores).

    Now no one misses the old boxed stuff!

    Jump to:
    • Dairy-Free Ranch
    • Added Protein
    • More Summer Side Dishes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Reviews
    Vegan Ranch Pasta Salad

    Dairy-Free Ranch

    First, I needed to whip up a tasty vegan ranch dressing. Ranch was my jam before giving up dairy so I knew I wanted to do it justice.

    I make a delicious ranch dipping sauce for my Buffalo Quinoa Balls and I considered using that. Although that sauce is tasty and would definitely work for this pasta salad, the ranch I ultimately created for the dish is quick to make and a bit lighter in texture than my original version.

    I think this version works a bit better on the pasta. It makes the dish smoother.

    The fresh herbs take this pasta salad to the next level so I do recommending using them if you can. If not, you can sub in a little less of the dried herbs.

    Vegan Ranch Pasta Salad

    Added Protein

    I love the taste of bacon bits and ranch together (did you know many of those bacon bits - like the one from McCormick - were actually vegan?!). I use them in a pinch but since they are very processed, I wanted to come up with another idea to share with you.

    I have used tempeh before in my Spicy Sesame Noodles and Teriyaki Tempeh so thought that could work as a good substitute. I'm glad I tried it because it worked out well.

    Most health food stores like Whole Foods will have tempeh and many large mainstream grocery stores carry it now – I have found some at my local Stop and Shop. If you have never tried tempeh or tried it before and didn't think it was for you, give this cooking technique a try, it's really good!

    If you're in a rush and have bacon bits on hand, you can always use them in this vegan ranch pasta salad instead of the tempeh crumbles. Or you can try my Tofu Crumbles if tofu is more your thing.

    More Summer Side Dishes

    If you're looking for a few more dishes you can take to gatherings, check these out:

    • Easy Chickpea Thai Quinoa Salad
    • Herbed Potato Salad
    • Greek Quinoa Salad (Gluten-Free)
    • Easy Vegan Pasta Salad

    And check out some more vegan pasta recipes.

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    If you make this recipe and LOVE IT, please give it 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐!

    📖 Recipe

    Vegan Ranch Pasta Salad {gluten free}

    Author: Mary Ellen Valverde | VNutrition
    Easy to make and much healthier than those boxed pasta salads, my tasty Vegan Ranch Pasta Salad would be perfect for BBQs, potlucks or parties! Plus it’s vegan, gluten free! 
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe SaveSaved!
    Email Recipe & Ingredients
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Total Time 20 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 258 kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
      

    PASTA

    • 12 oz gluten-free pasta shell pasta (or any kind that fits your diet)
    • ½ cup frozen baby peas
    • 6 sun-dried tomatoes chopped
    • 1 small carrot shredded

    TEMPEH BACON BITS (use half of the recipe)

    • 1 TB olive or coconut oil
    • 1 package tempeh
    • 2 TB tamari (or soy sauce if not gf)
    • 1 TB apple cider vinegar
    • ¼ teaspoon cumin
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • few drops liquid smoke (optional)

    Vegan Ranch (see recipe below)

      Instructions
       

      • Cook pasta to package directions.
      • While pasta is cooking, put the tempeh block in a bowl and mash it with a fork until crumbly. Then add tamari, apple cider vinegar, cumin, and garlic powder.
      • Add oil to large pan. Once heated, add tempeh crumbles and cook for about 5 minutes until heated and browned.
      • Make vegan ranch sauce (recipe below).
      • When pasta is done, add peas to cooked hot pasta and let sit for about a minute to heat up the peas.
      • Add carrots and sun-dried tomatoes to pasta.
      • Stir ranch sauce into pasta.
      • Mix in ½ of the tempeh (or feel free to use all of it if you want!).

      Video

      Notes

      This nutrition info is based on the chickpea pasta that I linked to in the ingredients list.

      Nutrition

      Calories: 258kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 18.6gFat: 6.6gFiber: 10gVitamin A: 3800IUVitamin C: 3.3mgCalcium: 70mgIron: 6.2mg

      PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional information data is computer generated and only an estimate so it should be used only as a guide.

      📖 Recipe

      Vegan Ranch

      Author: Mary Ellen Valverde | VNutrition
      Rich and creamy ranch without the dairy!
      5 from 7 votes
      Print Recipe Pin Recipe SaveSaved!
      Email Recipe & Ingredients
      Prep Time 5 mins
      Course condiment
      Servings 6
      Calories 187 kcal
      Prevent your screen from going dark

      Ingredients
        

      • ¾ cup vegan mayo
      • 1 Tablespoon almond milk
      • 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
      • 1 Tablespoon nutritional yeast
      • 2 Tablespoons fresh chives
      • 1 teaspoon fresh dill
      • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
      • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
      • salt and pepper to taste

      Instructions
       

      • Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth.

      Nutrition

      Calories: 187kcalCarbohydrates: 2.9gProtein: 0.8gFat: 20g

      PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional information data is computer generated and only an estimate so it should be used only as a guide.

      Mary Ellen

      Mary Ellen Valverde MS, CNS, LDN is a Licensed Nutritionist and Certified Nutrition Specialist who empowers vegans to feel clear and confident about what is uniquely nourishing to them. Mary Ellen's recipes and nutrition information have been featured on Yahoo News, Parade, VegNews, LIVESTRONG, Dr. Axe, Greatist, LIVEKINDLY, Brit+Co, Well+Good, and more. 

      More Vegan Pasta Recipes

      • Vegan Cashew Alfredo Sauce (gluten-free)
      • Vegan Vodka Sauce
      • Vegan Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
      • Peanut Sauce Noodles (Vegan, GF)
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      Comments

      1. J says

        August 15, 2017 at 2:37 am

        5 stars
        This pasta salad is delicious and so simple! It came together very quickly and tasted amazing 🙂 It is one of those dishes that you could never tell was vegan, which is great for sharing with family and friends who get turned off by the word vegan alone!

        Reply
        • Mary Ellen says

          August 17, 2017 at 10:14 pm

          Thank you so much J! I'm so glad you enjoyed it and I really appreciate you letting me knew l know!

          Reply
        • Mary Ellen says

          August 22, 2017 at 8:16 am

          Thank you so much! I am so happy you liked it! I'm with you, I bring this to parties and people don't realize it's vegan and they love it. When they find out it's vegan, they're so surprised - but probably wouldn't have tried it if they heard the word vegan beforehand. 🙂

          Reply
      2. Genevia says

        March 10, 2017 at 2:27 am

        Ranch is a very distinct flavor. Love the fact thatthe recipe is gluten and dairy free. I will give it a try.

        Reply
        • Mary Ellen says

          March 10, 2017 at 9:12 am

          Thank you so much Genevia! I really hope you like it!

          Reply
      3. janet @ the taste space says

        September 30, 2016 at 12:45 pm

        Oh yum, this looks great. I like how you added tempeh bacon!

        Reply
        • Mary Ellen says

          September 30, 2016 at 1:23 pm

          Thanks Janet! I needed a bacon substitute and the tempeh worked out really well. 🙂

          Reply
      4. Anukampa says

        September 27, 2016 at 12:08 pm

        the salad looks great. First time here on your blog. You have got nice collection of recipes here.

        Reply
        • Mary Ellen says

          September 27, 2016 at 12:22 pm

          Thanks for stopping by Anukampa! I'll check out your blog now too!

          Reply
      5. Corina says

        September 14, 2016 at 4:57 am

        It looks delicious! I haven't made a pasta salad for a long time but my mum has a couple of favourites that she's been making for years and it's great to remake an old favourite but in a healthier way!

        Reply
        • Mary Ellen says

          September 14, 2016 at 7:18 am

          Thanks so much Corina! I love remaking old favorites into something healthy (and veggie) that I can enjoy!

          Reply
      6. kellie anderson says

        September 08, 2016 at 4:44 pm

        I love everything about this, especially the tempeh bacon bits! Thanks for sharing - I'm sharing it too!

        Reply
        • Mary Ellen says

          September 12, 2016 at 7:50 am

          Thanks so much Kellie! I hope you like it!

          Reply
      7. Lee says

        September 07, 2016 at 9:03 pm

        Mary Ellen, this looks amazing! Pinning it to try soon!

        Reply
        • Mary Ellen says

          September 08, 2016 at 7:11 am

          Thanks so much Lee!

          Reply
      8. frieddandelions says

        September 06, 2016 at 1:24 am

        My kids think ranch is the best thing ever! I bet they would love this!

        Reply
        • Mary Ellen says

          September 06, 2016 at 10:02 am

          Thanks so much! I'm with your kids about ranch being the best thing ever lol!

          Reply
      9. Melissa @ Vegan Huggs says

        September 05, 2016 at 3:43 pm

        You had me at ranch! This looks fabulous! 🙂

        Reply
        • Mary Ellen says

          September 06, 2016 at 10:02 am

          Thanks Melissa!! I love ranch everything!

          Reply
      10. Farrah says

        September 03, 2016 at 5:50 pm

        I'm not sure why, but I've never actually tried making pasta salad (I only ever have it as just...well, pasta (with sauce + veggies/meat). I need to try this though--it looks amazing, and way better than the box!

        Reply
        • Mary Ellen says

          September 03, 2016 at 6:27 pm

          Thanks Farrah! I only started after going veg bc I couldn't eat the other ones anymore.

          Reply
      11. fitfoodiemama says

        September 02, 2016 at 9:26 am

        Dairy free ranch pasta?! Yes please! Looks delish- hope you have a great holiday weekend! 🙂

        Reply
        • Mary Ellen says

          September 03, 2016 at 12:51 pm

          Thanks Annmarie!! Have a great holiday weekend too!

          Reply
      12. Christine @ Run Plant Based says

        August 31, 2016 at 11:59 pm

        This looks amazing, thanks! I adore ranch flavors and trying new vegan versions.

        Reply
        • Mary Ellen says

          September 01, 2016 at 8:24 am

          Thanks Christine! I hope you like this one too!

          Reply
      13. Julie Wunder says

        August 31, 2016 at 8:00 am

        This looks soooo good! Love all the flavors in it without the dairy!
        Hope you'll stop by to linkup for Best of Blogs today.

        Reply
        • Mary Ellen says

          August 31, 2016 at 8:45 am

          Thanks so much Julie! I'll stop over now!

          Reply
      14. kateringforveggies says

        August 31, 2016 at 7:49 am

        Oh this looks so good! I love to add sundried tomatoes to my pasta salad as well... They're so tasty! I need to try tempeh this way... We have a love/hate relationship: I would love to love it but every time I've had it I didn't like it much. I'm about to give up!

        Reply
        • Mary Ellen says

          August 31, 2016 at 8:45 am

          Try the tempeh this way and let me know what you think! I could not stand tempeh for the longest time but now I can eat it this way - baby steps for me!

          Reply
      15. onesonicbite says

        August 30, 2016 at 5:04 pm

        Mmm.. this looks so good. And looks pretty simple to make too, which is kind-of key for a BBQ/picnic side dish.

        Reply
        • Mary Ellen says

          August 30, 2016 at 7:10 pm

          Yes, I am always looking for easy bbq recipes bc I wait till last minute to make whatever I'm bringing!

          Reply
          • onesonicbite says

            September 05, 2016 at 2:02 pm

            BTW I made the recipe this weekend. Everyone really liked it, though not much actually gotten eaten (there was another pasta salad and potato salad to compete with) I like the "bacon tempeh" concept to go with the pasta.

            Reply
            • Mary Ellen says

              September 05, 2016 at 2:33 pm

              I'm so glad everyone liked it! I've been all over the tempeh lately!

              Reply
      16. Cadry's Kitchen says

        August 30, 2016 at 9:21 am

        Oh, my gosh! I totally remember those boxed salads. I always had boxed salads & boxed rice mixes in my college dorm. They were easy to have on hand and cook with limited cooking equipment. It's funny. I actually thought they were almost healthy because of the dehydrated vegetables in them! Well, it was better than my breakfast of Twinkies... Haha! Thank goodness for healthier versions like this one!

        Reply
        • Mary Ellen says

          August 30, 2016 at 9:41 am

          I used to have soooo many boxed pastas in my dorm too! I got them on sale and then bought like 100 of them for the semester and ate the whole box myself!

          I thought they were healthy too - 2 tablespoons of dehydrated veggies were they only vegetables I probably ate that day!

          Reply
      17. Jenn says

        August 30, 2016 at 8:11 am

        Oh, this sounds so good!! I LOVE peas in my pasta salads! I would totally bring this to any potluck!

        Reply
        • Mary Ellen says

          August 30, 2016 at 9:39 am

          Thanks Jenn! Pasta salad ain't nothing without peas lol!

          Reply
          • Penny Calladine says

            November 05, 2019 at 11:47 am

            I’m English, this website is a revelation to me.
            What is ranch dressing?
            And what is a potluck please?

            Reply
            • Mary Ellen says

              November 05, 2019 at 12:38 pm

              Hi Penny! Welcome!
              Ranch dressing is a type of creamy salad dressing usually made of combination of buttermilk, salt, garlic, onion, mustard, herbs, and spices. This one is one I veganized so there's no dairy in it.
              A potluck is a gathering where everyone all brings their own food. 🙂

              Reply
      18. kimmythevegan says

        August 29, 2016 at 10:12 pm

        Sounds super delicious! Way better than boxed ranch salad. 😉 I think I'd like to try it with coconut bacon!!!

        Reply
        • Mary Ellen says

          August 30, 2016 at 9:38 am

          Thanks Kimmy! I bet coconut bacon would be awesome in this! Great idea, next time I do a ranch kind of thing I'm totally using coconut bacon (and crediting you of course!).

          Reply
          • Kimmythevegan says

            September 05, 2016 at 10:00 pm

            Ok I made this tonight for supper and pretty well kept the entire recipe the same, except I added broccoli as I had some in the fridge that needed using up. I did it with tempeh bacon too as I wanted to try it the way you made it the first time. Holy crap it's insanely delicious! I had 1.5 bowls of it and wanted to keep going... but figured moderation was key 😉 SO GOOD!!!!

            Reply
            • Mary Ellen says

              September 06, 2016 at 10:05 am

              I'm so glad you liked it Kimmy! Moderation is key but it's hard lol.

              It's funny, I actually asked Matt if I should add broccoli to this dish and he said I probably didn't need it - good to know the broccoli worked in there too!

              Reply
      19. GiGi Eats Celebrities says

        August 29, 2016 at 8:43 pm

        LOL!!! Two weekends ago, we were doing our food tasting for our wedding and this beautiful salad came out with a specific dressing for the salad and my fiance looked at it funny and was like, uh. I hate. it. And I looked at him like EXCUSE ME but you didn't even try it... And he was like. Yeah, I know. But I also know it needs ranch. In fact, everything on this table needs some ranch. LMFAO!!!!

        Reply
        • Mary Ellen says

          August 30, 2016 at 9:34 am

          Everything does need ranch! Or hot sauce for me! Good luck with your wedding planning GiGi! 🙂

          Reply
      20. Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day says

        August 29, 2016 at 2:26 pm

        Looks great! I love Ranch.

        Reply
        • Mary Ellen says

          August 30, 2016 at 9:33 am

          Ranch is one of my favorite flavors (along with Buffalo sauce - or any kind of hot sauce for that matter!).

          Reply
          • Craig says

            August 31, 2017 at 4:44 pm

            Step for the pasta mentions sun dried tomatoes but that is not listed in the ingredients section.

            Reply
            • Mary Ellen says

              August 31, 2017 at 5:08 pm

              Sorry about that! Updated!

              Reply
            • dfghjkl;' says

              October 23, 2017 at 1:54 am

              5 stars
              soooooooooo good

              Reply
              • Mary Ellen says

                October 23, 2017 at 6:57 am

                I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

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