Warm Pasta Salad Recipe
If you’re searching for a dish that bridges comfort and freshness, this Warm Pasta Salad is the ultimate answer. It’s the kind of salad that brings color, lively flavors, and warmth to your table, yet skips dairy and heavy cream for a lighter, plant-forward bite. Herb-flecked gnocchi mingle with quick-steamed veggies, sweet-tart cranberries and nuts, and a zippy ginger-tahini sauce, creating a vibrant blend that’s truly moreish. Whether you’re meal prepping for lunch, dressing up dinner, or craving a satisfying side, this Warm Pasta Salad will have you reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Warm Pasta Salad lies in its simplicity—each ingredient is easy to find and each one shines in flavor, texture, or color. Here’s what you’ll need and why it belongs in the bowl:
- Green Giant Simply Steam Baby Vegetables Medley (10 oz): These steam-in-the-bag veggies stay beautifully crisp and fill the salad with bursts of seasonal color.
- Second Nature California Medley raisins (¼ cup): A sweet and tart blend of raisins, cranberries, and nuts adds chewy texture and a nutty crunch. (See Note #1)
- Green Giant Cauliflower and Spinach Gnocchi: These pillowy, veggie-forward gnocchi become the hearty base, soaking up all the flavors.
- Bell Pepper Strips (¼ cup): Bottled or fresh, their vibrant color and mild sweetness make every bite lively.
- Water: Just enough to boil the gnocchi—simple, but essential!
- Cilantro (for garnish, optional): A spark of fresh green and a hint of citrus aroma to finish the dish beautifully.
- Goldthread Plant Based Tonic (2 tbsp, Hawaiian Ginger Flavor): Brings zing and gentle spice for a lively, unexpected twist in the sauce.
- Ripple Dairy Free Milk (¼ cup, unsweetened): Keeps the sauce creamy without weighing it down—perfect for plant-based eaters.
- Tahini Sauce (¼ cup): Nutty, silky and rich, it ties every element together.
- Spicy Brown Mustard (1 tsp): Pumps up the flavor with mild heat and tang.
- Salt (¼ tsp): Just enough to wake up all the flavors.
- Lemon Pepper (¼ tsp, optional): Optional, but adds a pop of brightness.
- Oregano (1 tsp): Earthy, herby notes that play off the veggies and gnocchi.
How to Make Warm Pasta Salad
Step 1: Boil Water for Gnocchi
Fill a 4-quart pot about three-quarters full of water and place it over high heat. It’s essential to get a roaring boil for properly fluffy gnocchi, so don’t rush this step—let the anticipation build!
Step 2: Steam the Baby Vegetable Medley
While the water heats up, pop the Green Giant Baby Vegetable Medley in the microwave (follow the steam-in-bag instructions on the package). This keeps the veggies vibrant and just-tender, the perfect prep while multitasking.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Zesty Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the Goldthread tonic, Ripple nondairy milk, tahini sauce, spicy brown mustard, salt, lemon pepper, and oregano, making a creamy, aromatic drizzle. This is what’s going to give your Warm Pasta Salad its irresistible finish!
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
Once your water is boiling, carefully add the Green Giant Cauliflower and Spinach Gnocchi. They only need about two minutes—once they float to the top, they’re done! Quick, pillowy perfection.
Step 5: Drain and Cool the Gnocchi
Using a strainer or slotted spoon, scoop out the gnocchi and transfer them to a large bowl. Resist the urge to rinse—they’ll be starchy and ready to soak up that delicious sauce.
Step 6: Combine Veggies and Gnocchi
By now your veggies should be done microwaving and cool enough to handle. Open the steam bag as directed, and gently turn the veggies into the bowl of gnocchi. Let the colors and textures blend and mingle!
Step 7: Add Bell Pepper Strips and Medley Mix
Toss in the bell pepper strips and your California Medley raisins, cranberries, and nuts. Every spoonful gets a surprise: savory, sweet, and a little crunch!
Step 8: Dress with the Tahini Sauce
Pour about half of the dreamy tahini sauce over everything. Toss gently to distribute, letting every bite get coated without drowning your lovely veggies and gnocchi. Add more sauce to taste, if you wish!
Step 9: Serve Immediately
Your Warm Pasta Salad is now ready for showtime. Serve right away while it’s still cozy and the flavors are brightest.
How to Serve Warm Pasta Salad
Garnishes
A flourish of chopped fresh cilantro takes this Warm Pasta Salad up a notch. Don’t be afraid to sprinkle on extra nuts, a pinch of flaky salt, or even a scatter of lemon zest to make it your own!
Side Dishes
This salad is satisfying all on its own, but for a heartier meal, pair it with crusty bread or a simple mixed greens salad. A little lemony hummus or grilled tofu on the side turns the whole thing into a fabulous plant-forward feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try mounding the salad in a wide, shallow bowl for a family-style centerpiece, or spooning it into individual ramekins for elegant lunch servings. For picnic-friendly flair, pack the salad in mason jars layer by layer—you’ll wow everyone with both looks and taste!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), let the Warm Pasta Salad cool to room temperature, then transfer it into an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to three days, though the veggies may lose some crispness over time.
Freezing
While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the gnocchi and veggie mix without the sauce for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm gently and toss with freshly made sauce to perk up the flavors.
Reheating
For the perfect reheated Warm Pasta Salad, microwave individual servings gently or reheat in a skillet over low heat, just until warmed through. If the salad seems a bit dry after chilling, add a splash of dairy-free milk or extra sauce before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of pasta instead of gnocchi?
Absolutely! Small shapes like penne, rotini, or orecchiette work beautifully. Gnocchi adds a unique chewiness, but classic pasta picks up the sauce and veggies just as well.
Is the tahini sauce necessary?
The tahini sauce is the “glue” that ties everything together—nutty, creamy, and full of flavor. If you need a substitute, try plain hummus thinned with a splash of plant milk or a creamy vegan yogurt-based dressing.
What if I don’t have Goldthread tonic?
No worries! You can use another ginger-based drink, a splash of ginger juice, or even a little apple cider vinegar mixed with grated fresh ginger. You’re just aiming for a hint of ginger warmth.
Can Warm Pasta Salad be served cold?
Definitely! While it’s designed to be served warm for that cozy, just-made feeling, leftovers taste fantastic straight from the fridge, making it a perfect next-day lunch.
How can I make this recipe nut-free?
Simply select a nut-free dried fruit blend for the medley, or toss in some roasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds in place of the nuts for that same delightful crunch.
Final Thoughts
Warm Pasta Salad isn’t just a recipe, it’s an invitation to get creative and enjoy eating well. I hope you’ll have as much fun making (and savoring) it as I do. Give it a try soon and let this colorful, cozy bowl brighten up your mealtime!
Print
Warm Pasta Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Warm Pasta Salad recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, combining Green Giant Baby Vegetables, raisins, gnocchi, and a creamy tahini sauce. Perfect for a quick and nutritious meal.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 box Green Giant Simply Steam Baby Vegetables Medley (10 oz)
- ¼ cup Second Nature California Medley raisins (dried cranberries and nuts)
- 1 Green Giant Cauliflower and Spinach Gnocchi
- ¼ cup Bell Pepper Strips (bottled version)
- Water (to cook the gnocchi)
- Cilantro (for garnish, optional)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp Goldthread Plant Based Tonic (Hawaiian Ginger Flavor)
- ¼ cup Ripple Dairy Free Milk (unsweetened)
- ¼ cup tahini sauce
- 1 tsp spicy brown mustard
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp lemon pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp oregano
Instructions
- Boil Water: Fill a 4-quart pot with water up to the ¾ mark and bring it to a boil.
- Microwave Vegetables: Microwave the Green Giant Baby Vegetable Medley.
- Prepare Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine all sauce ingredients and whisk/blend.
- Cook Gnocchi: Add the Green Giant Cauliflower and Spinach gnocchi to the boiling water and cook until they float.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer cooked gnocchi to a bowl, add microwaved vegetables, bell pepper strips, and California medley nuts.
- Add Sauce: Drizzle half of the tahini sauce over the salad.
- Serve: Garnish with cilantro and serve immediately.
Notes
- Note #1: Second Nature California Medley includes dried cranberries and nuts.
- Note #2: Microwave the Green Giant Baby Vegetable Medley according to package instructions.
- Note #3: Cook the gnocchi until they float to the surface.
- Note #4: Adjust the amount of tahini sauce to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Boiling, Microwaving
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Warm Pasta Salad, Green Giant, Gnocchi, Tahini Sauce, Vegetables, Quick Meal
