Spring Green Asparagus Vegan Pasta Salad
Chilled pasta salad combining roasted green asparagus and red onion with creamy vegan dressing. Kala namak-seasoned avocado mimics egg flavor, while pickled cornichons and vegan sausage add savory depth. Mixed herbs and garlic-Mediterranean dressing tie together this light, protein-rich spring meal.
Ingredients
- 10 ⅝ oz g Nudeln
- 1 Bund grüner Spargel
- 1 rote Zwiebel
- 1 EL Knoblauchöl
- 1 Avocado
- 1 Spritzer Zitronensaft
- ½ TL Kala Namakregular sea salt0.5 tspchanges flavor profile significantlyconf:2
- 1 Glas „Pure“ Cornichons mit würzigen Kräutern
- 1 vegane Fleischwurst
- 3 ½ oz g vegane Mayonnaise
- 1 ¾ oz g vegane Crème fraîche
- 3 ⅓ tbsp ml MADE FOR VEGGIES Knoblauch Mediterran
- 2 EL gemischte Kräuter (TK oder frisch)
- Salz und Pfeffer
Instructions
- 1
Cook pasta al dente, then cool completely.
- 2
Trim asparagus and snap off woody ends. Halve red onion and slice thinly. Place both in baking dish, drizzle with garlic oil, season with salt and pepper. Roast at 400°F for 15 minutes, then cool.
- 3
Dice avocado flesh and toss with lemon juice and kala namak.
- 4
Dice pickled cornichons and vegan sausage into small cubes. Slice cooled asparagus into rounds.
- 5
For dressing, whisk together vegan mayonnaise, vegan creme fraiche, garlic Mediterranean sauce, mixed herbs, and 2 tablespoons cornichon pickling liquid. Season boldly with salt and pepper.
- 6
Combine all ingredients except pasta with dressing and mix well. Fold in cooled pasta last.
Tips
Kala namak (black salt) adds sulfurous notes that replicate hard-boiled egg flavor in the avocado.
Reserve cornichon brine for dressing—its acidity and brine spices enhance the overall flavor.
Good to Know
Refrigerate up to 2 days in airtight container. Dress just before serving to prevent pasta from absorbing excess moisture.
Cook pasta, roast asparagus, and prepare dressing up to 1 day ahead. Assemble within a few hours of serving.
Serve chilled as a light lunch or side at spring gatherings.
Common Mistakes
Do not skip cooling pasta and roasted vegetables to avoid warm salad that wilts greens and separates dressing.
Do not dress pasta and vegetables together far in advance to avoid soggy texture.
Substitutions
Vegan Options
adds:soy