Tangy buffalo flavor, tender cauliflower, and a creamy avocado dressing come together for a game-changing pasta salad that will be a hit at this summer’s potlucks.
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As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, pasta salads become one of my favorite go-to party staples for their convenience and crowd-pleasing qualities. They are perfect for picnics, barbecues, and any outdoor gatherings, offering a hearty plant-based meal that’s easy to transport and won’t spoil in the summer heat.
For all of the reasons above, I was inspired to create this recipe as a staple for my Vegan Dinner Club members’ summer menus. The spicy kick of buffalo sauce perfectly balances the cool, velvety avocado dressing, all wrapped around tender pasta and hearty chickpeas. It’s my pick for this summer’s potlucks!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Everyone loves Buffalo Cauliflower so I thought I’d use it as inspirtion for a new summer staple. I think you’ll also love it for all of these reasons:
Flavor Explosion
Buffalo Cauliflower is a winning combo for a reason. The tangy buffalo sauce brings a fiery kick that perfectly complements the roasted cauliflower’s subtle sweetness and tenderness. The creamy avocado dressing ties everything together, adding a luscious, velvety texture that mellows the spice while enhancing the overall flavor profile. During testing, I was blown away by the burst of bold, savory, and satisfying tastes in every forkful…making me wonder why it took me so long to combine these flavors with pasta!
Versatility
One of the standout features of this recipe is its incredible adaptability. Whether you’re catering to vegan, vegetarian, or non-vegan diners, this pasta salad can be easily customized to suit everyone’s preferences. The core of the dish is plant-based, but for non-vegans, simply add some cooked, shredded chicken to boost the protein content. You can also offer both vegan and dairy blue cheese on the side, allowing each person to tailor their meal to their liking. As a vegan in a non-vegan family, this versatility is a must and makes it an ideal dish for my family dinners, gatherings, and potlucks where dietary preferences vary.
Health Benefits
Not only is this Buffalo Cauliflower Pasta Salad delicious, but it’s also packed with nutritional goodness. Cauliflower is a fantastic source of fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants, which help support overall health and wellbeing. Avocados contribute heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, potassium, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. Together, these ingredients make a nutrient-dense meal that supports a healthy diet without compromising on flavor. Plus, chickpeas add plant-based protein and additional fiber, making this salad a well-rounded option for any meal.
What You Need To Make Buffalo Cauliflower Pasta Salad
To create this delicious Buffalo Cauliflower Pasta Salad, you’ll need a variety of fresh and flavorful ingredients for both the salad and the dressing.
For the Pasta Salad:
- Pasta: Choose your favorite pasta shape. Both regular and gluten-free options work beautifully in this dish.
- Garlic: You’ll need lots of fresh garlic for sauteeing the cauliflower.
- Cauliflower: A gentle saute of the cauliflower brings out its natural sweetness while maintaining a fork-tender texture.
- Vegan Buffalo Sauce: This provides the tangy, spicy kick that makes this salad stand out. Make sure to use a vegan-friendly sauce.
- Garlic Powder: This enhances the garlic flavor…because you can never have too much garlic, in my opinion!
- Chickpeas: These little legumes add a boost of protein and fiber, making the salad more filling and nutritious. Remember to reserve the liquid (aquafaba) for the dressing.
- Vegan Blue Cheese Crumbles: I love the crumbles from Follow Your Heart to add a creamy, tangy contrast to the spicy buffalo sauce.
- Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Season to your liking to bring out all the flavors.
For the Buffalo Avocado Dressing:
- Avocados: These provide the creamy base for the dressing, contributing healthy fats and a smooth texture.
- Lemon Juice: A fresh squeeze of lemon adds a refreshing citrus note that brightens up the dressing and balances the richness of the avocados.
- Buffalo Sauce: More sauce to echo the spicy flavor of the buffalo cauliflower, creating a cohesive flavor profile throughout the dish.
- Garlic Powder: As mentioned above, you can’t have enough garlic flavor.
- Aquafaba: The liquid from the chickpeas acts as an emulsifier, helping to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency in the dressing. Add it slowly to reach your desired thickness.
How to Make Buffalo Cauliflower Pasta Salad
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta in a pot of water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté the cauliflower: In a skillet, sauté minced garlic in oil until fragrant, then add cauliflower slices and cook until tender. Stir in the buffalo sauce and garlic powder.
- Make the dressing: Blend avocados, lemon juice, buffalo sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a blender until smooth. Slowly add aquafaba until the desired consistency is reached.
- Assemble the salad: Combine the cooked pasta, cauliflower, chickpeas, and vegan blue cheese crumbles in a large bowl. Add the buffalo avocado dressing and toss to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
How to Serve Buffalo Cauliflower Pasta Salad
This Buffalo Cauliflower Pasta Salad is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some creative ways to enjoy the new salad of summer:
1. As a Main Course
Serve the pasta salad as a hearty main course. It’s filling enough on its own, thanks to the combination of pasta, chickpeas, and cauliflower. Pair it with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to round out the meal.
2. Side Dish at a Barbecue
This salad makes an excellent side dish for summer barbecues and cookouts. Its bold flavors complement grilled veggies, tofu, or plant-based burgers. Plus, since it’s dairy-free, you don’t have to worry about it spoiling in the heat.
3. Picnic Perfect
Pack the pasta salad in individual containers for a picnic. Its robust ingredients hold up well, making it easy to transport and enjoy outdoors. Pair it with fresh fruit and sparkling water for a delightful picnic spread.
4. Lunchbox Favorite
Buffalo Cauliflower Pasta Salad is an excellent option for meal prepping. Divide it into portioned containers for an easy grab-and-go lunch throughout the week. It stays fresh and flavorful, providing a nutritious and satisfying meal.
5. Party Platter
Serve the salad as part of a party platter. Arrange it alongside other finger foods like veggie sticks, dips, and sliders. It’s a crowd-pleaser that caters to various dietary preferences, making it perfect for gatherings.
6. Customized Family Dinners
For family dinners, set up a DIY pasta salad bar. Keep the base salad vegan, and offer add-ins like shredded chicken, dairy blue cheese, or extra veggies. This way, everyone can customize their plate to their liking.
7. Stuffed in Wraps
Turn the pasta salad into a filling for wraps or pita pockets. Add some fresh greens, and you have a portable and delicious meal that’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
8. Bowl It Up
Create a hearty meal bowl by adding the pasta salad to a base of mixed greens or quinoa. Top with extra avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce for an even more satisfying dish.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
How long will the salad stay fresh in the refrigerator?
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Irresistible Buffalo Cauliflower Pasta Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Tangy buffalo flavor, tender cauliflower, and a creamy avocado dressing come together for a game-changing pasta salad that will be a hit at this summer’s potlucks.
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad:
- 1 lb regular or gluten-free pasta
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 head cauliflower, broken into florets and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup vegan buffalo sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 14.5-oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed (reserve liquid for dressing)
- 1/2 cup vegan blue cheese crumbles
- kosher salt, to taste
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Buffalo Avocado Dressing:
- 2 avocados
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1/4 cup vegan buffalo sauce
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup aquafaba (liquid drained from a can of chickpeas)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions.
- Saute the cauliflower: In a large skillet, heat the oil and add the garlic. Cook for about 3 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the cauliflower and continue cooking for about 10 minutes until the cauliflower is fork tender. Season with salt and pepper. Add in the buffalo sauce and garlic powder.
- Make the dressing: Meanwhile, in a blender combine all of the ingredients for the dressing except the aquafaba. Pulse until combined. Slowly, one tablespoon at a time, pour in the aquafaba and process, and then the water until you reach your desired consistency. Taste and season with more salt, pepper or lemon juice.
- Assemble the salad: Drain the pasta and return to the pot. Stir in x cup of the buffalo dressing. Stir in the cauliflower and chickpeas. Stir in ¼ cup more of the dressing. Fold in the blue cheese. Taste and season with freshly ground black pepper.
Notes
- Spoiler Alert: Buffalo Cauliflower Pasta Salad will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a week.
- For non-vegans: Add cooked, shredded chicken. Instead of stirring in the vegan bleu cheese, serve on the side, along with a dairy bleu cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: American
- Method: Stove
- Cuisine: American