Hummus Pasta Salad is such a refreshing dish, especially during warm months! It’s creamy, garlicky, and so easy to whip up, you’ll want it on your table all summer long.
This recipe provides a light alternative to mayo salads, a gluten-free option, a heat-resistant choice, and a straightforward vegan-friendly version.
Sometimes, I find traditional pasta salads can be too heavy for my tastes. That’s why I love this recipe, it swaps out mayo for garlic hummus, which keeps things light and breezy. It’s a quick solution for those sweltering days when you still want a satisfying meal.
This recipe comes together in just 25 minutes. With a few pantry staples and seasonal veggies, you’ve got a tasty dish that’s not only vegetarian but also gluten-free when you choose the right pasta. Perfect for meal prep or a side dish at a barbecue!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Creamy Texture , The hummus gives this pasta salad a smooth, rich feel that makes it so satisfying without the heaviness of traditional dressings.
- Flavor Punch , With hints of garlic and a zesty freshness, this dish packs a flavorful punch that’ll leave your taste buds wanting more.
- Quick Prep , You can whip this up in just 25 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy days or last-minute meals.
- Storage Friendly , It keeps well in the fridge for up to four days, so you can enjoy it throughout the week without worrying about spoilage.
Ingredient Notes
- Tricolor pasta: This adds a fun twist and color to your dish! If you prefer, go for gluten-free rotini to keep things friendly for all diets.
- Garlic hummus: Hummus gives that creamy texture and a punch of flavor. Get a good-quality one, or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous!
- Milk: It helps loosen up the hummus, making it creamier. You can swap it for any milk alternative like almond or oat milk if you’d like.
- Garlic powder: This amps up the garlic goodness! Use fresh garlic if you love that bite, just be mindful of how strong it can be.
- Salt: It balances everything out and enhances those vibrant flavors in the salad. Just a small pinch will go a long way!
Keep scrolling to the recipe card below for the full printable recipe!
Recipe Tips
- If the dressing is too thick, whisk in a tablespoon of milk at a time for a smoother consistency.
- When making the salad, allow it to chill for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend nicely.
- For a variation, substitute vegetables with seasonal options or whatever you have on hand for fresh flavors.
- If the salad turns out dry after refrigerating, adding a tablespoon of milk at a time can help loosen it up.
- For best results, serve the salad immediately after mixing to minimize moisture from the vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this creamy garlic pasta salad chilled alongside grilled vegetables or with a side of fresh fruit. Top the dish with crumbled feta or sliced olives for added flavor and a satisfying finish.
- This pasta salad works well in various settings like picnics, barbecues, or potlucks. Use it as a base for other salads or toss in additional ingredients for customization.
- A drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs can elevate the salad further. Consider adding a touch of lemon juice before serving for brightness.
Storage Guidelines
- To keep your creamy garlic pasta salad fresh, follow these storage tips:
- Refrigeration: Store pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Ensure it is fully covered.
- Freezing: Place pasta salad in a freezer bag, remove air, and seal tightly. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Serving Temperature: For the best taste, serve pasta salad chilled. Allow it to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.
Recipe Variations
- You can use gluten-free rotini instead of tricolor pasta for a gluten-free version of this dish.
- Add ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika or zest from 1 lemon to brighten the flavors in your pasta salad.
- Either crumbled feta cheese or nutritional yeast can be included for added flavor, depending on your dietary preferences.
- If you’re cooking for a crowd, double the recipe by using 24 ounces of pasta and 2 cups of garlic hummus.
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Creamy Garlic Hummus Pasta Salad
This creamy garlic hummus pasta salad is a refreshing vegetarian dish that’s perfect for a light lunch or side. Packed with colorful vegetables and a flavorful hummus dressing, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling
- Mixing bowl
- Colander for draining pasta
- Whisk for mixing dressing
Ingredients
- 12 ounce tricolor pasta uncooked
- 1 cup garlic hummus
- ⅓ cup milk or milk alternative
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup green bell pepper diced (about 1 small pepper)
- 1 cup English cucumber diced (about 1/2 cucumber)
- ½ cup red onion diced (about 1/2 small onion)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Start by boiling a pot of water and adding the tricolor pasta. As it cooks, you’ll notice the colorful spirals come to life, about 10-12 minutes should do. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking, which can make it mushy.
- In a bowl, whisk together the garlic hummus, milk, garlic powder, and salt until smooth. You should get a creamy mixture that smells garlicky and inviting. This will coat your pasta beautifully, so ensure it’s well combined—lumps in your dressing can ruin the texture.
- Once the pasta’s cooked, drain it and rinse under cold water until chilled. This step keeps things fresh and crunchy! In a large bowl, toss the pasta with diced green bell pepper, cucumber, and red onion. You want everything to be evenly mixed for a refreshing bite.
- Pour that creamy hummus dressing over your pasta and veggies, and gently stir until everything’s coated. The sauce should cling nicely, adding a burst of flavor to every forkful. Take care not to overmix; you don’t want to squish the veggies!
- Let the salad chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This really allows the flavors to blend and come together. It’ll be cooling, creamy, and oh-so-good when you’re ready to dig in. Just a quick tip—if it looks dry after chilling, whisk in a bit more milk to loosen it up!
Notes
Refrigerate in a covered container at temperatures below 40 degrees F. It can keep for up to 4 days.
If the dressing is too thick, whisk in a tablespoon of milk at a time for a smoother consistency. If the pasta salad is too dry after refrigerating, add a tablespoon of milk at a time and stir to loosen it. Serve the salad immediately after mixing to minimize moisture from the vegetables.
This dish is best served cold and does not require reheating.
Serve chilled alongside grilled vegetables or pair with a side of fresh fruit. Top with crumbled feta or sliced olives for extra flavor.
Add crumbled feta cheese for tangy richness. Incorporate roasted vegetables for a hearty twist. Mix in some canned chickpeas for extra protein. Substitute vegetables with seasonal options or whatever you have on hand for fresh flavors.
Choose fresh, firm vegetables for the best texture. When selecting hummus, opt for a garlic flavor for the best outcome. Use any non-dairy milk for a vegan-friendly version.
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