Red Lentil Pasta Salad: Our Recipe

Salads are a great lunchtime meal if you crave something light and healthy. Unfortunately, salads can be rather basic and bland without a little know-how. 

We’ve got a good option that’s going to tempt your tastebuds and fill you up!

Perfect for salad lovers, this red lentil pasta salad is bursting with irresistible flavors.

With a zesty taste, this tasty pasta salad is packed with nutritious vegetables. These tasty vegetables give the salad a delightfully crunchy texture. It is also vegan, proving that vegan dishes can still be scrumptious. 

If you are interested in making a tasty lunchtime dish, why not make this indulgent red lentil pasta salad?

Red Lentil Pasta Salad Ingredients

To make the dish, you will need the following ingredients:

• 8 oz/ 225g red lentil pasta, preferably penne
• 5 oz/ 150g cherry tomatoes
• 1 zucchini
• 1 bell pepper
• 1 red onion
• 15 oz/ 425g of canned chickpeas
• 3 oz/ 80g kalamata olives
• 1 tsp of dried oregano
• A little olive oil
• ½ a cup of salad dressing (homemade or store-bought)
• A pinch of salt and pepper to taste
• A garnish of chopped parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Boil the red lentil pasta in a saucepan for the length of time specified on the packaging. Usually, this will take around 8 minutes, though different brands will take different lengths of time. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and place it underneath cold running water to cool the noodles down.
2. Meanwhile, cut the red onion, bell pepper, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes into bite-size pieces with sharp knives and a chopping board. Pour a splash of olive oil into a frying pan and turn on your hob. 
3. Cook these ingredients for a few minutes over medium heat until the onions have started to brown, stirring frequently. Take the vegetables off the heat and leave them to cool for a little while. 
4. Place the drained red lentil pasta into a large mixing bowl. Then, add the fried onion, bell pepper, zucchini, and tomatoes. Stir these ingredients together with a wooden spoon. 
5. Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas before adding them to the mixing bowl. Ensure that the kalamata olives have been sliced and pitted before also mixing them in with the rest of the salad.
6. Next, toss the dried oregano, salt, and pepper into the mixing bowl. Stir the contents of the mixing bowl thoroughly with a wooden spoon. Use gentle stirring motions to ensure that you do not damage the pasta. Once these ingredients are mixed, carefully stir in the salad dressing.
7. Use the chopped parsley to garnish the pasta salad. Either serve this pasta salad right away or transfer it to a food storage container to eat at a later date. Store any leftovers in the fridge, where they will remain fresh for a few days. 
8. Enjoy the taste of this fantastically flavorsome red lentil pasta salad. We recommend you serve this dish cold. 

Changing It Up: Red Lentil Pasta Salad Recipe Variants

If you want to experiment with this red lentil pasta salad, here are some recipe variations that can alter the taste and texture of the dish:

• For cheese lovers, you can add a touch of vegan cheese to this pasta salad.
• To give the pasta an even crunchier texture, consider adding hazelnuts. Just bear in mind that this will mean that the dish is not suitable for people with nut allergies. 
• Shiitake mushrooms are an amazing addition if you want to increase the number of vegetables in this dish. This ingredient will give the pasta a mature and earthy taste. 
• If you don’t have any dried parsley, you can always use dried basil instead. This is also a wonderful way to give the salad an extra punch of flavor. Many different herbs can pair nicely with this pasta dish. 
• Though this recipe is designed for red lentil pasta, feel free to experiment with different pasta varieties. This can include both gluten-free pasta and pasta made with regular wheat.
• If you have a passion for spicy food, consider adding a dash of chili pepper to the pasta salad. Red chili flakes will also have a similar effect on this dish.

Storage Advice

To ensure that this red lentil pasta salad stays fresh for as long as possible, it’s important to use the correct storage methods. This salad should be kept refrigerated to prevent the vegetables from expiring rapidly. 

If you have any leftovers, you should place them in an airtight food container. Alternatively, you can place the salad in a bowl that has been tightly covered with cling film. If the pasta is not covered properly, it will have a shorter shelf life. 

When kept in the fridge, this recipe can last for up to three days. After this time, the vegetable will start to develop a rather unpleasant and slimy texture. 

What Goes With Red Lentil Pasta Salad?

This red lentil pasta recipe is hearty and satisfying on its own, but it also works wonderfully as a side dish for a more substantial meal. Here are some vegan-friendly pairings to try:

• Grilled Corn on the Cob: Brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with smoked paprika or nutritional yeast for a deliciously smoky flavor.
• Stuffed Bell Peppers: Filled with quinoa, black beans, and diced vegetables, baked to perfection.
• Vegan Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Made with dairy-free cheese and whole-grain bread for a comforting pairing.
• Plant-Based Sausages: Grilled or pan-fried, they make a hearty addition to the meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: A mix of zucchini, eggplant, cherry tomatoes, and red onions, seasoned and roasted until caramelized.
• Vegan Cornbread: Moist and slightly sweet, perfect for balancing the flavors of the pasta salad.
• Crispy Tofu or Tempeh: Marinated and pan-fried or baked for a protein-packed side.
• Barbecue Jackfruit: Smoky, tangy, and satisfying—this meat alternative pairs beautifully with the salad.
• Stuffed Mushrooms: Filled with a mixture of breadcrumbs, vegan cheese, and fresh herbs.

For bold flavors, consider adding marinated artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives directly to the pasta salad. You can also serve it alongside a refreshing green salad with a tangy vinaigrette for a lighter option.

With so many versatile vegan options, this pasta salad can complement a variety of dishes and occasions!

Final Thoughts

If you are searching for a healthy yet substantial lunchtime meal, this red lentil pasta salad is fantastic for you. 

Packed with a range of healthy vegetables, this dish is light and fresh. There are also loads of variations you can use to ensure that this dish is perfectly united to your tastes. 

Looking for more inspiration? Try our mushroom risotto next.

Frequently Asked Questions