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    Home » Recipes » Main Dish

    Creamy Lentil Pasta Salad

    Published: Jul 26, 2022 by Caitlin Rule · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

    Creamy lentil pasta salad is made with broccoli, tomatoes, spinach, and a simple yoghurt herb dressing. It's easy to make, vegetarian, and perfect for BBQ’s and lunches!

    Pasta salad in a bowl with forks. Extra dressing, lemons, pasta and herbs on the side.

    I’m a huge fan of pasta salads for an easy make-ahead lunch or dinner idea. They’re great for eating cold and packing with you for school or work. Plus, you can pack in a ton of delicious veggies into these recipes!

    This cold lentil pasta salad has it all going on. The tangy creaminess of the yoghurt paired with the broccoli, tomatoes and spinach is just beyond. Plus, the lentils add a lovely texture and boost of plant based protein which makes the salad extra hearty and more filling.

    You can’t go wrong having this for a meal or serving it with your next BBQ. It is also a recipe that gets better after a few hours and after chill time. Let the flavors marinate and really come together. And I personally love eating pasta salad cool from the fridge

    Lentil pasta salad served on a plate with a fork.


    Ingredients you’ll need:

    All you need to make this lentil pasta salad are 13 simple ingredients:

    • Pasta of choice – I love using bowties or you can use a penne, fusilli, anything you’d like.
    • Pasta: I suggest using bowties (farfalle) or large shells so that the dressing gets in all of those nooks and crannies. But feel free to use any pasta you’d like; elbow, Elbow macaroni or even gluten free pasta!
    • Broccoli
    • Baby spinach
    • Cherry tomatoes: I love the little bursts of juicy flavour that cherry or grape tomatoes add to every bite. Plus how cute are they?!
    • Canned lentils for a boost of plant based protein in this amazing pasta dish.
    • Red onion: for a little extra zip.
    • Plain yoghurt: The key ingredients for the dressing! Plain greek yoghurt works best here to make it extra creamy.
    • Lemon juice: fresh lemon juice squeeze in.
    • Garlic + dried herbs
    • Dijon mustard
    • Extra virgin olive oil
    Ingredients to make lentil pasta salad

    How to make creamy lentil pasta salad

    Pasta + broccoli: Cook pasta until al dente following box instructions, adding the broccoli in the final minutes. Drain and then place in a large bowl.

    Greek yoghurt dressing: Meanwhile make the dressing by mixing the yoghurt, lemon juice, garlic powder, herbs, mustard, olive oil, salt and pepper. Adjust seasonings to taste.

    Greek yoghurt dressing in a bowl.
    Lentil pasta salad ingredients in bowl.

    Add: in tomatoes, lentils, spinach and onion. 

    Mix together: Dress pasta salad with desired amount of dressing (I used it all) and gently stir until well combined.

    Lentil pasta salad in a bowl with dressing poured over.

    Customize this pasta salad

    • Make it gluten free: simply use a gluten free pasta of choice. It’s going to be FANTASTIC anyway you do it up.
    • Make it vegan: use non dairy yoghurt.
    • Add extra protein: feel free to add some cooked, diced chicken breast or canned tuna in olive oil.
    • Switch up the veggies: I think roasted capsicum (bell pepper) and chopped cucumber would also be delicious in this recipe.

    How to store this lentil pasta salad

    Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. No need to reheat! Serve it cold and garnish it with some extra basil.

    Pasta salad in a bowl being mixed with forks.

    More recipes with lentils to try

    Carrot Ginger Lentil Soup

    Air Fryer Broccolini Salad

    Roasted Beetroot & Pumpkin Salad

    If you try this lentil pasta salad recipe or have a question, please let me know! Leave a comment and rate it below. I love to hear what you think, or any changes you make

    Print
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    Pasta salad in a bowl with forks.

    Creamy Lentil Pasta Salad


    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    5 from 1 review

    • Author: Caitlin Rule
    • Yield: Serves 4-6 1x
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    Description

    Creamy lentil pasta salad is made with broccoli, tomatoes, spinach and delicious creamy yoghurt herb dressing. It's easy to make, vegetarian and perfect for BBQ's and lunches!


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • ½ a box (250g) uncooked pasta
    • 1 large head broccoli
    • 2 handfuls baby spinach, chopped
    • 1 cup sliced cherry tomatoes
    • 1 can lentils, rinsed
    • ½ red onion, sliced

    Yoghurt dressing:

    • 1 cup plain greek yoghurt
    • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
    • 1 tsp garlic powder
    • 1 tsp dried mixed herbs
    • Salt + pepper, to taste
    • 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
    • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

    Instructions

    1. Cook pasta until al dente following box instructions, adding the broccoli in the final minutes. Drain and then place in a large bowl.
    2. Meanwhile make the dressing by mixing the yoghurt, lemon juice, garlic powder, herbs, mustard, olive oil, salt and pepper. Adjust seasonings to taste.
    3. Add in tomatoes, lentils, spinach and onion. 
    4. Dress pasta salad with dressing and gently stir until well combined.

    Notes

    Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. No need to reheat! Serve it cold and garnish it with some extra basil.

    • Category: Pasta, Salad
    • Method: Stovetop + salad
    • Cuisine: American

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @goodnessavenue on Instagram and hashtag it #goodnessavenue

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    1. Z z says

      January 08, 2024 at 2:42 am

      The salad was very yummy and also satisfying. I added tuna and doubled the amount of lentils, because I have a big appetite






      Reply
      • Caitlin Rule says

        February 03, 2024 at 9:10 am

        I'm so happy you loved the recipe! Such a good idea adding tuna 🙂 xx

        Reply

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    About Caitlin

    Welcome! I’m Caitlin

    I'm a nutritionist, foodie, and mum, here to help you add more goodness to your everyday life! You'll find plenty of delicious, simple, and nutritious recipes to satisfy your cravings and nourish your family.

    More About Me →

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