Creamy Vegan Pasta Salad

Ingredients and Weight:

• 8 oz. dried pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
• 3 cups fresh vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, chopped)
• 1 cup vegan cream cheese
• 1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp. chopped fresh basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 20 minutes
• Total: 35 minutes

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the vegan cream cheese and mayonnaise. Add lemon juice and basil, and mix well.
3. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the cream cheese mixture.
4. Add the fresh vegetables and mix gently. Season with salt and pepper as desired.
5. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for later.

Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 servings total)

• Calories: Approx. 350 calories per serving (depending on ingredients used)
• Fat: Approx. 15g
• Carbohydrates: Approx. 45g
• Protein: Approx. 8g
• Fiber: Approx. 3g (depending on vegetables used)

Dish Characteristics:

• Creamy and rich in flavor, yet vegan-friendly.
• Versatile dish that can be customized with different vegetables and seasonings.
• Ideal for summer or warm weather as it's refreshing and light.

User Comments:

1. "This pasta salad is amazing! The vegan cream cheese gives it such a rich flavor."
2. "I love how easy this recipe is to make, yet it tastes so fancy."
3. "This dish is perfect for summer picnics or potlucks."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use fresh ingredients for best results.
• Adjust seasoning according to personal taste preference.
• If you can't find vegan cream cheese or mayonnaise, look for dairy-free alternatives in the dairy section of your supermarket.
• This dish can be made ahead of time and served chilled, or served immediately after preparation.