Go Back
A creamy dressing with a chili swirl being poured over the crispy pasta salad.

Crispy Pasta Salad

Print Recipe
A delicious twist on a classic pasta salad, featuring a variety of textures and a delicious spicy dressing.
Course Main Course, Salad
Cuisine European, Mediterranean
Keyword air fryed pasta, big salad, creamy vegan salad, crispy pasta, crispy pasta salad, easy vegan dinner, pasta salad, plant based pasta salad, quick meal prep, quick meals, quick recipe, quickies, spicy pasta salad, vegan pasta salad
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 380.8
Author carleigh

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 3 cups cooked farfalle cooled
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp salt

For the salad:

  • 1 head romaine lettuce chopped
  • 1 handful parsley finely chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes sliced in half
  • 1 red onion finely diced
  • 1 small cucumber diced
  • ½ cup vegan feta

For the dressing:

  • ½ cup vegan yogurt unsweetened
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil I use Pompeian
  • 1 tbsp dijon mustard heaping tablespoon
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • ½ lemon juiced
  • 1 tsp maple syrup
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp chili oil

Instructions

  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
  • Add the cooked pasta to your air fryer tray or a large bowl and toss with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Transfer to the air fryer and cook for 8–12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crispy.
  • While those cook, prepare your salad base by adding all of the listed ingredients to a large bowl.
  • To make the dressing, whisk together the yogurt, olive oil, mustard, oregano, lemon, maple syrup, salt and pepper. Once combined, drizzle the chili oil over top and disperse with a spoon to create a melting lava effect.
  • Once the pasta is crispy, let it cool slightly, then add to the salad. Pour on the dressing and serve.

Notes

  • No air fryer? Bake the seasoned pasta in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  • Use any other pasta simialr in size. Rotini, penne, fusilli, or shells all crisp up nicely.
  • Add extra protein by including chickpeas, tofu, or white beans.
  • Use whatever you have in the fridge to avoid food waste. Bell peppers, olives, avocado, or corn all work well in this crispy pasta salad.
  • This recipe yields 4 to 6 servings, depending on whether you serve it as a main meal or a side dish.

Nutrition

Calories: 380.8kcal | Carbohydrates: 42.7g | Protein: 12.6g | Fat: 19.4g | Saturated Fat: 3.7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11.2g | Sodium: 815.2mg | Potassium: 638.3mg | Fiber: 7.1g | Sugar: 8.5g | Vitamin A: 14025.8IU | Vitamin C: 32.8mg | Calcium: 147.8mg | Iron: 3.9mg