If you’ve never tried crispy pasta, this is your sign. It completely transforms a simple pasta salad into something with real texture and bite, while still keeping it nourishing and packed with plant-based goodness. This one is high in protein, rich in iron, and made with simple whole food ingredients.

What makes this recipe stand out is the balance. You’ve got creamy, slightly sweet dressing, fresh veggies, and that golden crispy pasta bringing it all together. It feels indulgent but is actually full of nutrients that will keep you satisfied for hours.

It’s also a great option for meal prep or busy days, just store the dressing separately and toss it through when ready to eat. Whether you’re making it for yourself or the whole family, it’s one of those meals that feels a little bit special without too much extra effort.

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Crispy Lentil Pasta Salad

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Servings 3.5

Suitable For 3+ years

Ingredients

200 g tomatoes (quartered)
250 g lentil pasta (uncooked weight, cooked according to packet)
2 tbsp nutritional yeast
1 tbsp olive oil
200 g tofu feta (see recipes, sub with plain firm tofu)
200 g edamame (shelled )
100 g baby spinach (chopped)
1 large carrot (in strips or grated)

"Honey" Mustard Dressing

60 ml olive oil
125 g soy yogurt (unsweetened)
60 ml maple syrup
3 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

Cook lentil pasta according to packet instructions. Drain well and allow to cool slightly.
Toss cooked pasta with olive oil and nutritional yeast until evenly coated.
Add pasta to the air fryer at 190°C for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crispy. If serving for kids under the age of 3, omit this step and serve as a fresh pasta salad.
Meanwhile, prepare the salad base by chopping everything to safe sizes, then adding it all to a large bowl.
In a jar or bowl, combine all dressing ingredients and shake or stir until smooth and creamy.
Once the pasta is cooked, top it over the salad, drizzle over the dressing, and toss gently to combine.

Storage

Stores in the fridge for up to 3 days, but the dressing will soften the pasta over time. For best texture, keep dressing separate until serving. This keeps the pasta crispy.

Notes

Stores in the fridge for up to 3 days, but the dressing will soften the pasta over time. For best texture, keep dressing separate until serving. This keeps the pasta crispy.

For kids under 3-4 years, skip the crispy pasta and leave freshly cooked, as the texture can be harder to manage.