Zesty Pasta Salad with Tomato, Basil, and Smoked Gouda

Zesty pasta salad with tomatoes, basil, and smoked gouda in a white bowl.
Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 8
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year
Description

Tender pasta is tossed with juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and smoky vegan gouda, then coated in a tangy dressing that brings all the ingredients together in perfect harmony. The result is a vibrant dish that’s both refreshing and deeply satisfying.

Every forkful delivers a delicious combination of creamy, smoky, herbaceous, and tangy flavors, with plenty of texture and color to keep things interesting. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, meal prep, or easy summer lunches, this pasta salad is a crowd-pleasing favorite that tastes even better as the flavors mingle.

Fresh, hearty, and full of personality, it’s the kind of dish that disappears quickly wherever it’s served.

Ingredients
  • 16 ounces penne pasta
  • 3/4 cup vegan mayonnaise
  • 1/3 cup non-dairy milk
  • 1/3 cup white wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (minced, plus 1 tablespoon sauce (see link below))
  • 10 ounces grape tomatoes (halved)
  • 8 sundried tomatoes in oil (roughly chopped)
  • 6 ounces smoked gouda (we used Daiya, cut into small cubes)
  • 12 fresh basil leaves (chiffonade method, ribbons)
Instructions
  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add in a good pinch of salt, then add the pasta. Give the pasta a quick stir to keep it from sticking.

     

  2. 2

    Cook the pasta according to the package instructions - generally 9 to 11 minutes. When the pasta is fully cooked, rinse under cold water, strain, and set aside.

  3. 3

    Meanwhile, prep the tomatoes, chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, basil leaves, and cheese.

  4. 4
    The Dressing

    Add the vegan mayo, milk, vinegar, salt, pepper, chipotle pepper, and adobo sauce to a medium-sized bowl and whisk until smooth. (The dressing will be very thin at this stage—but don't worry, it will thicken once it's chilled.)

  5. 5
    Zesty pasta salad with tomatoes, basil, and smoked gouda in a white bowl.

    Combine the pasta with the dressing, tomatoes, cheese, and basil in a large bowl. Gently toss. Chill before serving. 

    Gently toss just before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

Serving Size 1.5 cups (approximately)

Amount Per Serving
Calories 457kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 20.2g32%
Saturated Fat 4.4g23%
Sodium 730mg31%
Potassium 410mg12%
Total Carbohydrate 59.5g20%
Dietary Fiber 3.4g14%
Sugars 5.3g
Protein 10.1g21%
Vitamin A 65 mcg
Vitamin C 12 mg
Calcium 115 mg
Iron 2.7 mg
Vitamin D 0.3 mcg
Vitamin E 2.2 mg
Vitamin K 25 mcg
Vitamin B6 0.3 mg
Folate 125 mcg
Vitamin B12 0.3 mcg
Magnesium 45 mg
Zinc 1.3 mg
Selenium 30 mcg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: tomato basil pasta salad
Read it online: https://sproutfulkitchen.com/recipe/zesty-pasta-salad-with-tomato-basil-and-smoked-gouda/