Hi👋 I’m MARILYN, a 34-year-old from the United Kingdom. Cooking is my passion, and I love sharing delicious, easy-to-follow recipes. Join me on marilynrecipes.com to explore a world of culinary delights, from comforting classics to innovative creations. Let’s make cooking fun and enjoyable for everyone! Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.
I still remember the first time I created this Vegan Broccoli Pasta Salad with Tahini Sauce. It was a rainy afternoon, and I wanted something comforting, yet fresh and wholesome. The aroma of garlic roasting, the bright green broccoli, and the creamy tahini dressing instantly made my kitchen feel warm and inviting. From that day, this salad became my go-to recipe whenever I wanted a dish that’s healthy, satisfying, and full of love. I’ve made it countless times since, and every time, it feels like a little hug on a plate.
The beauty of this Vegan Broccoli Pasta Salad with Tahini Sauce is how it balances flavors and textures. You have tender broccoli, perfectly cooked pasta, and a silky tahini sauce that brings everything together. It’s versatile enough to serve as a side or a main dish and incredibly easy to whip up in under 30 minutes. Over the years, this recipe has become a family favorite, often prompting friends and loved ones to ask for seconds.
Why I Love Making This Recipe
There’s something magical about combining simple ingredients and ending up with a dish that feels gourmet. I love that this Vegan Broccoli Pasta Salad with Tahini Sauce is plant-based yet incredibly filling. The tahini sauce is nutty and creamy without being heavy, and it clings beautifully to every bite of pasta and broccoli.
I also adore that this salad can be customized. You can add cherry tomatoes, roasted peppers, or even some toasted nuts for crunch. It’s a recipe that grows with your creativity and always turns out delicious. And, honestly, it’s a lifesaver on busy days when I want something wholesome without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here’s what I use every time I make this salad:
- 250g fusilli or your favorite pasta
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into small florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 3 tbsp tahini
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 2-3 tbsp water (to thin sauce as needed)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tsp smoked paprika or chili flakes for a kick
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Kitchen Secrets:
- I always steam the broccoli until just tender – it keeps the vibrant green color and crisp texture.
- Warm the garlic slightly in olive oil before mixing it with tahini for an extra aromatic punch.
- Adjust the water in the tahini sauce slowly; it should be creamy but pourable.
How I Make It, Step by Step
- Cook the pasta: I bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, I drain and rinse it under cold water to stop cooking and keep it firm.
- Prepare the broccoli: While the pasta cooks, I steam the broccoli florets for 4-5 minutes until bright green and slightly crisp.
- Make the tahini sauce: In a small bowl, I whisk together tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. I add water a tablespoon at a time until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine pasta and broccoli: I toss the drained pasta with steamed broccoli in a large bowl.
- Dress the salad: Pour the tahini sauce over the pasta and broccoli, gently tossing until everything is coated.
- Season: I taste and add extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
- Optional finishing touches: Sprinkle smoked paprika or chili flakes and chopped parsley for flavor and color.
How I Serve It at Home
I love serving this Vegan Broccoli Pasta Salad with Tahini Sauce in a large, colorful bowl straight to the table. It pairs wonderfully with fresh bread, roasted vegetables, or even a simple soup for a light lunch. Sometimes, I add a handful of toasted sunflower seeds or sliced avocado for extra creaminess and crunch. The best part? It looks as vibrant as it tastes, so it’s always a hit with guests.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
This salad is perfect for meal prep! I store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta absorbs the tahini sauce slightly, making it even more flavorful the next day. I recommend keeping any extra dressing separate if you plan to store it for more than a day. You can enjoy it cold or at room temperature; it’s one of those rare salads that doesn’t need reheating.
100-Word Short Version
This Vegan Broccoli Pasta Salad with Tahini Sauce is my go-to comfort-meets-healthy dish. I cook pasta, steam broccoli, and toss them with a creamy tahini dressing made of lemon juice, garlic, and a touch of maple syrup. It’s simple, filling, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, it keeps well in the fridge for days. I often add smoked paprika, chili flakes, or fresh parsley to elevate the taste. Every bite is vibrant, satisfying, and packed with wholesome goodness. It’s the ultimate plant-based comfort food I love sharing with family and friends.
Recipe Card Section
⏱️ Time
Prep: 10 min
Cook: 15 min
Total: 25 min
🛒 Ingredients <ul> <li>250g fusilli or your favorite pasta</li> <li>1 large head of broccoli, cut into small florets</li> <li>2 tbsp olive oil</li> <li>1 garlic clove, minced</li> <li>3 tbsp tahini</li> <li>2 tbsp lemon juice</li> <li>1 tbsp maple syrup</li> <li>2-3 tbsp water</li> <li>Salt and pepper, to taste</li> <li>Optional: 1 tsp smoked paprika or chili flakes</li> <li>Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish</li> </ul>
👩🍳 Instructions <ol> <li>Cook pasta in salted water, drain, and rinse under cold water.</li> <li>Steam broccoli until bright green and tender-crisp.</li> <li>Whisk tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, garlic, and salt; add water to thin.</li> <li>Toss pasta and broccoli with tahini sauce until coated.</li> <li>Season with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice.</li> <li>Garnish with smoked paprika, chili flakes, and parsley if desired.</li> </ol>
📝 Notes
- Steam broccoli until just tender to preserve nutrients and color.
- Adjust tahini sauce consistency with water gradually.
- Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Optional toppings: toasted seeds, avocado, or roasted vegetables.
🍽️ Nutrition
Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 280 kcal
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 4g
Protein: 9g
Sodium: 180mg
Vegan Broccoli Pasta Salad with Tahini Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This **Vegan Broccoli Pasta Salad with Tahini Sauce** is creamy, flavorful, and easy to make. With tender broccoli, perfectly cooked pasta, and a silky tahini dressing, it’s a healthy and satisfying plant-based dish perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 250g fusilli or your favorite pasta
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into small florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 3 tbsp tahini
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 2–3 tbsp water
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tsp smoked paprika or chili flakes
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water, drain, and rinse under cold water.
- Steam broccoli until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Whisk tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, garlic, and salt; add water to thin.
- Toss pasta and broccoli with tahini sauce until coated.
- Season with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice.
- Garnish with smoked paprika, chili flakes, and parsley if desired.
Notes
Steam broccoli until just tender to preserve nutrients and color. Adjust tahini sauce consistency with water gradually. Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Optional toppings: toasted seeds, avocado, or roasted vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 9
- Cholesterol: 0
Conclusion
This Vegan Broccoli Pasta Salad with Tahini Sauce is one of those recipes that makes me feel warm inside every time I make it. It’s healthy, comforting, and full of love exactly what cooking should be about. Whether it’s a busy weekday lunch, a casual dinner, or a potluck contribution, this salad never fails to impress. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and I can’t wait for you to share it with your family and friends. Cooking is more than food it’s creating moments that last, one bite at a time.