Some of Your Vegan “Girl Dinners” Should Be Illegal
Some of Your Vegan “Girl Dinners” Should Be Illegal is a easy American (Vegan) recipe that serves 2. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Merle O'Neal on YouTube.
Prep: 9 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 29 min
Cost: $3.51 total, $1.76 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 oz Elbow Pasta (dry weight, about 1 cup uncooked)
- 1 tsp Olive Oil (extra virgin preferred)
- 1/3 cup Hummus (plain or flavored, store‑bought)
- 1/2 cup Broccoli Florets (cut into bite‑sized pieces, raw)
- 1/4 medium Red Onion (finely diced)
- 1 oz Grape Tomatoes (halved)
- 1/4 tsp Creole Seasoning
- 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- to taste Salt
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the elbow pasta and cook until al dente, about 8‑10 minutes.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 212°F
Drain and Cool
Drain the pasta in a colander, drizzle with 1 tsp olive oil, and toss to coat. Transfer back to the pot or a large bowl to cool for 2‑3 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Prep the Vegetables
While the pasta cooks, finely dice the red onion, halve the grape tomatoes, and cut the broccoli into bite‑size pieces.
Time: PT5M
Combine Hummus and Seasonings
In a mixing bowl, add 1/3 cup hummus, 1/4 tsp Creole seasoning, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, and salt to taste. Stir until smooth.
Time: PT2M
Mix Everything Together
Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, onion, and tomatoes to the bowl with the hummus mixture. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
Time: PT2M
Serve
Serve the hummus pasta straight from the bowl or pot. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 12 g
- Carbohydrates
- 55 g
- Fat
- 10 g
- Fiber
- 6 g
Dietary info: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free option: use gluten‑free pasta
Allergens: Wheat (pasta), Sesame (hummus, if tahini is used)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Elbow Pasta: Small shells, Rotini
- Instead of Olive Oil: Avocado oil, Canola oil
- Instead of Hummus: Tahini sauce, Greek yogurt (non‑vegan)
- Instead of Broccoli Florets: Cauliflower florets, Green beans
- Instead of Red Onion: White onion, Shallots
- Instead of Grape Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes, Diced regular tomatoes
- Instead of Creole Seasoning: Cajun seasoning, Paprika
- Instead of Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic (1 clove)
- Instead of Red Pepper Flakes: Cayenne pepper, Hot sauce (a few dashes)
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt, Kosher salt
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cooking the pasta al dente so it holds texture when mixed with hummus.
- Coating the hot pasta with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Ensuring the hummus is thinned enough to coat the pasta evenly.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use roasted red pepper hummus for an extra smoky depth.
- Add toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds for crunch.
- A drizzle of balsamic glaze at the end adds a sweet‑tangy finish.
Troubleshooting
Hummus sauce is too thick and doesn't coat the pasta.
Thin the hummus with a tablespoon of water, extra olive oil, or a splash of lemon juice until it reaches a pourable consistency.
Pasta sticks together after mixing.
Make sure the pasta was tossed with olive oil while still warm and allow it to cool slightly before adding the hummus.
The salad tastes bland.
Add a pinch more salt, a dash of extra red pepper flakes, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture of raw broccoli changes when frozen.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 1 hour; after that refrigerate.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prep the vegetables and store them in a sealed container; combine with hummus and pasta just before eating.
- The hummus sauce can be made up to 24 hours ahead; keep refrigerated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of hummus pasta in American vegan cuisine?
Hummus pasta is a modern fusion dish that blends Mediterranean hummus with classic American pasta. It emerged from the plant‑based movement as a quick, protein‑rich alternative to traditional creamy pasta sauces.
What are the traditional regional variations of hummus pasta in vegan cooking?
Some variations swap plain hummus for roasted red‑pepper or garlic‑infused hummus, and add regional veggies like roasted zucchini in the Southwest or sun‑dried tomatoes in Mediterranean‑style versions.
How is hummus pasta traditionally served in the United States?
It is often served as a cold or room‑temperature pasta salad at pot‑lucks, picnics, or as a solo "girl dinner" straight from the bowl, sometimes topped with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon.
What occasions or celebrations is hummus pasta commonly associated with in vegan culture?
Hummus pasta is popular for quick weeknight meals, vegan brunches, and casual gatherings where a light, protein‑packed dish is desired without extensive cooking.
What makes hummus pasta special or unique in vegan cuisine?
It replaces dairy‑based sauces with chick‑bean hummus, providing a creamy texture, plant protein, and a tangy flavor while keeping the dish simple and fast to prepare.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making hummus pasta?
Common errors include overcooking the pasta, not thinning the hummus enough, and adding raw broccoli that is too large, which can make the salad soggy or unevenly textured.
Why does this hummus pasta recipe use raw broccoli instead of cooked?
Raw broccoli adds a crisp bite and bright color, keeping the salad fresh and quick to assemble; cooking it would soften the texture and lengthen the prep time.
Can I make hummus pasta ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the hummus sauce and chop the vegetables ahead. Store them separately in airtight containers, then combine with cooked pasta just before serving. Keep refrigerated and consume within 2 days.
How do I know when the hummus pasta is done cooking?
The pasta is done when it is al dente—still firm to the bite but not hard. Taste a piece a minute before the package’s suggested time; it should have a slight chew.
What does the YouTube channel Merle O'Neal specialize in?
The YouTube channel Merle O'Neal focuses on creative, plant‑based "girl dinner" ideas, testing viewer‑submitted recipes and offering honest, humorous reviews of vegan and high‑protein meals.
How does the YouTube channel Merle O'Neal's approach to vegan cooking differ from other vegan cooking channels?
Merle O'Neal emphasizes quick, single‑serving meals with a playful ranking system, often trying unconventional or viewer‑submitted ideas, whereas many vegan channels focus on polished, recipe‑driven content.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
