Is there anything better than a DIY pasta bar?! I am a huge advocate for the build-your-own meals format. Not only do they give each member of the family an opportunity to pick and choose what they’d like, it also makes my life a lot easier because I can prep the ingredients in advance and have them at the ready for those busy weeknights.
Healthy Pasta Substitutes
I offer a smorgasbord of delicious foods and ask my guests to fill their bowls with all their favorite foods, encouraging them to try new combinations, and to include as many colours and different ingredients. “Variety” is the best family meal!
Jovial Cassava Pasta
Grain-free cassava pasta that tastes great! Crafted in Italy by artisanal pasta makers using the same family traditions for over a century, these allergy-friendly elbows cook up firm and taste delicious. Free from gluten, grains, the top 8 allergens, legumes, gums, and lectin
Chickapea Pasta
Is your chickpea pasta full of glyphosate? These shells are made from organic chickpeas and lentils (organic matters!), which are full of nutrients and probiotics. With 23 grams of protein per 3.5 oz serving, Chickapea has as much protein as a 3 oz serving of chicken or fish! Even if you only add sauce, it’s a nutrient-dense meal! chickapea.com
Explore Cuisine Fava Bean Pasta
Mild and creamy in flavor, fava beans are high in protein and fibre, and Explore Cuisine's bean-powered pasta provides 25 grams of bean protein and 9 grams of fibre per serving! This is one of the closest legume-based pastas to traditional wheat pasta in taste, texture, and color. explorecuisine.com
Organico Bello Pasta Sauce
Open a jar of wholesome ingredients taken straight from nature. This pasta sauce is Certified USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, and Whole30® Approved with no preservatives and no added sugar (always read your labels!), water, or tomato paste. organicobello.com
Otamot Essential Tomato Sauce
Yes, it’s tomato backwards! Otamot Essential Tomato Sauce is packed with vitamins and nutrients from ten organic vegetables. We appreciate clever food companies with a commitment to organics! otamotfoods.com
Nona Vegan - Cashew Based Pasta Sauce
For savoury, creamy herbed goodness, just heat and serve this cashew-based sauce and feel the comfort. Mix it with a little tomato sauce for a delicious rosé! nonavegan.com
Bob’s Red Mill
Sprinkle nutritional yeast on top of your pasta dish for a nutty, cheesy flavour (or add it into your sauce when cooking). It’s rich in vitamin B-12, provides 8 grams of protein per serving, and tastes great! bobsredmill.com
Foodies
This is a great tofu substitute for your “ricotta” recipe. Versatile, keto-friendly, and deliciously satisfying, Pumfu is made from USDA organic, Non-GMO pumpkin seeds and filtered water and has a mild, nutty flavor with a texture like extra-firm tofu. Pumfu is rich in protein with 17g per serving and comes pre-pressed (with no excess water), ready to cook. f
Big Mountain Foods
This vegan cauli-crumble is perfect to spoon into your pasta bowl! Loaded with fresh nutritious ingredients like peas, cauliflower, and sunflower seeds, it’s full of flavour but free from gluten, soy, and dairy. Made with love by a women-owned, family-operated team in BC. bigmountainfoods.com
Noble Bean
Noble Bean Tempeh is vegan, gluten-free, high in protein, and made in Canada. Organic soybeans are transformed into a super-food through natural culturing and fermentation, producing a delicious, nutty-flavoured whole food. You can make plant-based bacon and create your own carbonara! noblebean.com
Culcherd
Spread this organic dairy-alternative garlic butter made from plants onto your favorite loaf of bread, and bake for a delightful crunchy, garlicy side to your pasta bar. culcherd.com
Mother Raw Caesar Dressing
Every good pasta dish needs a Caesar salad! Toss your favourite greens with this organic, plant-based Caesar dressing that has the perfect balance of cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, capers, and garlic! motherraw.com
