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

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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)

Last updated: April 24, 2026

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Some of Your Vegan “Girl Dinners” Should Be Illegal

Recipe by Merle O'Neal

A quick, vegan-friendly pasta salad that combines creamy hummus with fresh broccoli, onion, and grape tomatoes. Perfect for a solo "girl dinner" or a light lunch, this dish is tossed together in under 30 minutes and eaten straight from the pot.

EasyAmerican (Vegan)Serves 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
5m
Prep
17m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
32m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$3.51
Total cost
$1.76
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • 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.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle boiling water with care to avoid burns.
  • Use a stable cutting board and keep fingertips tucked while chopping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of hummus pasta in American vegan cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of hummus pasta in vegan cooking?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How is hummus pasta traditionally served in the United States?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is hummus pasta commonly associated with in vegan culture?

A

Hummus pasta is popular for quick weeknight meals, vegan brunches, and casual gatherings where a light, protein‑packed dish is desired without extensive cooking.

cultural
Q

What makes hummus pasta special or unique in vegan cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making hummus pasta?

A

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.

technical
Q

Why does this hummus pasta recipe use raw broccoli instead of cooked?

A

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.

technical
Q

Can I make hummus pasta ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

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.

technical
Q

How do I know when the hummus pasta is done cooking?

A

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.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Merle O'Neal specialize in?

A

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.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Merle O'Neal's approach to vegan cooking differ from other vegan cooking channels?

A

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.

channel

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