This flavorful spicy cashew pasta salad is made with fresh vegetables and herbs and is tossed in a creamy homemade dressing.
We absolutely love this creamy pasta salad and make this recipe several times a month.
It is full of a variety of different vegetables and is a great way to increase your daily veggie intake in a fun and flavorful way!
If you enjoyed this recipe try my Vegan Pasta Salad next.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Vegan: This recipe is fully vegan, vegetarian, and plant-based. We don't use any animal products including dairy and eggs.
- Great for meal prep: You can make this in advance and serve it at a later time. Just be sure to make a little extra dressing and adding the crunchy chow mein noodles when you're ready to eat.
- Full of flavors & texture: This pasta salad had a great crunch to it!
Ingredient Notes
Spicy Cashew Dressing: Here is my full recipe for the spicy cashew dressing.
If you plan to make this in advance and store it in the refrigerator I recommend making some extra dressing, setting it aside, and tossing it with the pasta salad right before serving. The pasta can absorb too much of the dressing if made in advance so having some extra dressing for serving can be helpful.
Pasta: This recipe works best with a thick, hearty pasta.
Chow mein noodles: Make sure you're getting the crunchy chow mein noodles in the bag. I find mine in the "international" section at my local grocery store.
If you are making this recipe in advance or meal prepping with it, don't add the crunchy chow mein noodles until you're serving.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and quantities.
Substitutions & Additions
Make it even spicier: You can add extra sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes (even chili oil if you're feeling bold) to the cashew dressing.
Add extra veggies: Feel free to change up the vegetables in this recipe. For example, omit the tomatoes, add red onion, etc. I do recommend that for each item you take out, you put something back in its place.
Dress when serving: If you plan on prepping or making this recipe in advance you can store the dressing on the side until you're ready to eat.
You can do the same thing with the chow mein noodles and store them separately until you are ready to serve this dish.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Start by making the cashew dressing. The full recipe can be found here: spicy cashew salad dressing and in the recipe card below.
Step 2: Next, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cool water once it has finished cooking.
Step 3: Wash and prep all ingredients. Combine everything in a large serving bowl and toss with the salad dressing.
Leave the crunchy chow mein noodles out until you're ready to serve.
Step 4: Plate and enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Make extra dressing: If you plan on making this recipe in advance I highly suggest making some extra dressing. Store it in a separate container and toss it in with the pasta salad at the time of serving. The pasta can absorb a lot of the dressing while in the fridge and it's nice to have extra to refresh it before serving.
- Don't add the crunchy chow mein noodles until serving: The crunchy chow mein noodles can get soggy if they are added before you're ready to enjoy this salad. If you're meal prepping this recipe or making it in advance, store the crunchy chow mein noodles on the side and add them at the time of serving.
Serving Recommendations
There are so many scenarios when you can enjoy this recipe. Some of my favorites are:
- Picnics
- Cookouts/barbeques
- Beach days
- As a side dish as lunch or dinner
- Meal prep
Simply make your spicy cashew dressing (or use a store-bought dressing), cook the pasta according to package instructions, and combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Toss until well coated in the dressing.
You can store this creamy pasta salad in the fridge for up to three days. Whenever you store this recipe for later I recommend making extra dressing, keeping it in a separate container, and adding it to the pasta salad at the time of serving.
More Pasta Recipes You'll Love
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Spicy Cashew Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Cashew Dressing
- ½ cup cashews soaked in boiling water for 5 minutes
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoon cool water more if needed for consistency
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tbsp cilantro
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon agave nectar can sub maple syrup
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tsp ginger
- 1 tsp sriracha
- 1 lime juiced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon salt more to taste if needed
Pasta Salad
- ½ cup spicy cashew dressing *see notes below
- ½ pound pasta
- ½ cup cucumbers
- ½ cup tomatoes
- ½ cup cabbage
- ½ cup crunchy chow mein noodles Only add when serving, see notes below
- ¼ cup cilantro
- ¼ cup slivered almonds
- ¼ cup green onions
Instructions
- Start by cooking the pasta according to package instructions.
- Next, make the cashew dressing. Soak the cashews in boiling water for at least five minutes to soften them. If you have more time I recommend soaking them in the fridge for at least one hour, this will give you a smoother, creamier consistency.
- After soaking the cashews, drain them and add all ingredients for the dressing to the blender. Blend until everything is smooth, add more water 1 tablespoon at a time if you need a smoother consistency.
- Wash and prep all other ingredients.
- Combine the cooked pasta with all of the other ingredients in a large serving bowl and add dressing as desired. If you are making this recipe in advance, do not add the crunchy chow mein noodles until you are ready to serve.
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