Ingredients + Substitutions

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious beet pasta salad recipe.

Ingredients to make beet pasta salad in prep bowls on kitchen countertop. — See recipe card for quantities.

Pasta: I like rotini because it’s fun and pretty. But you may use any shape you’d like, just stick to short varities like penne or rigatoni. You may also use gluten free pasta like chickpea or rice pasta. Do not overcook.

Veggies: Beets for sweet, earthy flavour, cucumber for freshness, and red onion for a zesty flavour. You may use green onion instead of red if a more mild flavour is preferred.

Pecans: For crunch, added protein and flavour. Omit for nut-free. OR, try it with toasted pine nuts, slivered almonds, or walnuts.

Lemon: Use freshly squeezed for the best flavour.

Vinegar: I like apple cider vinegar, but you may use another vinegar such as balsamic vinegar or more fresh lemon juice.

Maple syrup: Pure maple syrup is refined sugar-free, but other liquid sweeteners also work.

Spices: A mix of garlic powder, dill weed, salt and pepper. Adjust to your taste.

Instructions

(This is a summary with step by step photos, full recipe measurements and instructions are in the recipe card below.)

Begin by cooking your pasta but do not overcook. Once cooked, drain and rinse immediately. Transfer the cooked pasta to a large bowl.

Lemon based salad dressing in small glass jar.

Meanwhile, combine all the dressing ingredients in a small jar or bowl.

Large glass bowl with rotini pasta, chopped pecans, diced beets, cucumber and red onion.

Then add the remaining ingredients to the salad bowl, and mix well.

Variations

Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta, chickpea pasta, quinoa or brown rice.

Spicy: Add some kick with a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the dressing.

Sweet: For a sweeter taste, add some dried cranberries, raisins and/or chopped dates to your salad, plus an additional tablespoon of maple syrup to the dressing.

Cheesy: This salad is dairy-free, but if you’d like you may add some vegan feta cheese or goat cheese for added salty and cheesy flavour.

Extra flavour: This salad is oil-free and suitable for a WFPB (whole-food-plant-based) diet. However, if you’re not avoiding oil, you may add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to the dressing.

What else can I add?

Corn (thawed frozen, or canned)

Halved cherry or grape tomatoes

Diced zucchini

Sliced black olives

Diced bell peppers

Baby spinach

Expert Tips

Salt your pasta water. Make sure to add enough salt to your pot of water for best texture and flavour. Here’s a handy guide to help you salt your water perfectly each time.

Cook your pasta al dente. Do not overcook! Al dente means that the pasta is still firm once cooked, giving optimal texture in every bite. To ensure your pasta does not overcook, start taste testing a few minutes before the package says it will be ready. It should be tender, but still firm.

📖 Recipe