Gluten-Free Pasta Salad
This gluten-free pasta salad is light, zesty, and perfect for any occasion. Packed with fresh veggies and tossed in a flavorful dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s ready in no time!
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- Gluten-Free Pasta: 8 ounces any shape like rotini or penne
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup halved
- Cucumber: 1 medium diced
- Bell Pepper: 1 diced (use red, yellow, or green)
- Red Onion: ½ small thinly sliced
- Black or Kalamata Olives: ½ cup sliced
- Mozzarella Balls: 1 cup or cubed mozzarella
- Fresh Herbs: 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley or basil
For the Dressing:
- Olive Oil: ⅓ cup
- Red Wine Vinegar: 3 tablespoons
- Garlic: 2 cloves minced
- Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Sugar or Honey: 1 teaspoon optional, to balance flavors
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of water with salt to a boil. Add the gluten-free pasta and cook according to the package instructions, typically for about 8-10 minutes or until tender. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop it from cooking further. Set aside to cool.
Prepare the Vegetables:
- While the pasta is cooking, slice the cherry tomatoes in half, dice the cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion, and slice the olives. Add all the vegetables and olives to a large mixing bowl.
Make the Dressing:
- In a separate small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Combine the Salad:
- Add the cooled pasta to the mixing bowl with your vegetables. Pour the dressing over the pasta and toss gently to combine everything. If you're using fresh mozzarella balls, add them at this stage.
Chill:
- Cover the salad and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.This will allow the flavors to meld and give the salad a nice, refreshing chill.
Serve:
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss to recoat the ingredients with the dressing. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve it as a refreshing side dish or a light main course!
Video
Notes
- Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to mix and match your veggies! Swap bell peppers for cherry tomatoes, or add in some red onion or olives for extra flavor.
- Herb Variations: If you don’t have basil or parsley on hand, try fresh oregano or thyme for a different herbal twist.
- Make Ahead Tip: This salad tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop, so feel free to make it in advance!
- Extra Protein: Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even mozzarella for a heartier version. This salad makes a fantastic base for your favorite protein.
- Storage Tip: If you plan on storing leftovers, make sure to keep the dressing separate and add it right before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.
- Chill Time: Don’t skip the chilling! Allowing the pasta salad to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld together beautifully.