Healthy Gluten-Free Pasta Salad Recipe for Summer
As a nutritionist and food blogger, I know how hard it can be to find delicious and healthy recipes that suit your dietary needs. That’s why I’m excited to share with you this gluten-free pasta salad recipe from Italiano Signore.
Whether you’re gluten intolerant or simply looking for a healthier option, this creamy Italian pasta salad is the perfect solution for you. It’s packed with fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes, pine nuts, and sun-dried tomatoes, all combined with gluten-free rotini pasta and homemade Italian dressing.
But what makes this dish stand out above the rest is its simplicity. With only three ingredients for the dressing (lemon juice, salt, and olive oil) and an easy-to-follow recipe, anyone can make this mouth-watering pasta salad at home.
So if you’re tired of sacrificing taste for health or struggling to find suitable options for your dietary restrictions, look no further than this gluten-free pasta salad recipe. Trust me, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of bland and boring gluten-free pasta dishes? Look no further! This gluten-free pasta salad recipe will take your taste buds on a journey to the heart of Italy.
Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Perfect for a summer picnic, office lunch or as a side dish for dinner parties. You’ll love how easy it is to make with only three ingredients required for the homemade Italian dressing.
The combination of red bell pepper, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese creates a creamy and tangy flavor that perfectly complements the fresh basil and pine nuts, giving this pasta salad a nutty and herbaceous twist. The gluten-free rotini pasta adds texture and depth to the dish, ensuring each bite is full of flavor.
Plus, this pasta salad is dairy-free so it’s a great option if you have dietary restrictions. Whether you’re doing Whole30 or just prefer to stay away from dairy products, you won’t have to worry about any digestive issues with this recipe.
Trust me when I say that everyone will be asking for seconds of this creamy Italian pasta salad. Not only is it delicious but adding in some cherry tomatoes adds some freshness that makes it perfect for summer picnics or even packed lunches. So what are you waiting for? Give this gluten-free pasta salad a try today!
Ingredient List
The ingredients in this gluten-free pasta salad are not only healthy but also bursting with flavor! Here’s what you’ll need:
Gluten-Free Rotini Pasta
You can use any brand of gluten-free rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Cook it al dente to avoid overcooking it.
Vegetables
Red bell pepper and cherry tomatoes add a beautiful pop of color while green onions and red onion add a little bite. Garlic cloves are used to release that beautiful aroma when sautéed.
Herbs and Spices
Fresh basil is always the best choice, but you can always use dried basil if you don’t have access to fresh herbs. Try using oregano for a touch of the Mediterranean, plus salt and pepper for seasoning.
Dairy-Free Feta Cheese
Add a tangy twist with dairy-free feta cheese. You can easily make your own by blending almonds, lemon juice, salt, garlic, and olive oil.
Pine Nuts
Try substituting pine nuts instead of walnuts or pecans – they’re a healthier alternative and will give the dish a slightly sweet taste.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes
If you want more depth of flavor in your pasta salad, try using sun-dried tomatoes. Mister O1 sells some fantastic sun-dried tomatoes that won’t disappoint!
Italian Dressing
Make your own homemade Italian dressing using simple ingredients like extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, salt, garlic, and onion powder. The creamy Italian dressing will complement every ingredient in this salad perfectly.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Cook the gluten-free pasta
Cook the gluten-free pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold running water until it cools down.
Step 2: Prepare the salad dressing
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of lemon juice, 1/4 cup of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon each of sea salt and freshly ground pepper.
Step 3: Chop the vegetables and herbs
Chop up 1 bunch of fresh green onion, 1 thinly sliced red onion, and 1 diced red bell pepper and place them in a large mixing bowl. Add in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 cup each of roughly chopped fresh basil and crumbled feta cheese. Add in 1/4th cup pine nuts and 1/4th cup sliced sun-dried tomatoes.
Step 4: Mix all ingredients together
Add the cooled gluten-free pasta into the large mixing bowl with your prepared vegetables, feta cheese, pine nuts, and sun-dried tomatoes. Pour in your salad dressing over the top and toss together everything to evenly coat. Give it a good mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Chill before serving
Cover with cling wrap or an air-tight lid before leaving it to chill well for about an hour in the fridge. Serve chilled and enjoy your delicious gluten-free pasta salad!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to making this gluten-free pasta salad, there are plenty of ingredient substitutions and variations you can try based on your preferences and dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
– Dairy-free: If you’re avoiding dairy, simply omit the feta cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. Instead of feta, try adding some chopped avocado for a creamy texture.
– Nut-free: For those with nut allergies, swap out the pine nuts for pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
– Different veggies: Don’t be afraid to mix things up by adding in different veggies. Some options include cherry tomatoes, broccoli, cucumber, or shredded carrots.
– Meat lovers: If you’re a meat lover, try incorporating cooked chicken or shrimp into the salad for added protein.
– Italian dressing: While the homemade Italian dressing in this recipe is delicious, feel free to use your favorite pre-made Italian dressing instead.
No matter what substitutions or variations you choose, be sure to cook your gluten-free pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This will ensure that it doesn’t become mushy or fall apart when mixed with the other ingredients. Overall, this dish is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit all types of taste buds and dietary restrictions.
Serving and Pairing
Ah, the moment of truth! You’ve whipped up a delicious gluten-free pasta salad and now it’s time to serve it up. Luckily, this salad is versatile and accommodating to a wide range of tastes.
Because this pasta salad has a creamy Italian dressing, it pairs well with lighter proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp. Or if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try adding roasted chickpeas or tofu.
For some added crunch, I suggest pairing this salad with a nice piece of crusty gluten-free bread – perfect for mopping up the leftover dressing. A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon would also make for a refreshing beverage pairing.
If you have any leftovers, this salad makes for an excellent next-day lunch option. Just pack it up in an air-tight container and store in the fridge until ready to enjoy.
But don’t just take my word for it – get creative with your own pairings and let me know what you come up with!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now that you’ve made this delicious gluten-free pasta salad, you may be wondering how to store it for later. Luckily, this salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days without losing its flavour or texture.
If you’re prepping for a party or simply want to save some time during your busy week, making the pasta ahead of time is a great option. Just be sure to toss the pasta in a bit of olive oil or Italian dressing before refrigerating it. This will prevent the pasta from sticking together and drying out.
When it’s time to serve the pasta salad, simply remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to take the chill off. If you prefer your salad cold, then just serve it straight from the fridge.
If you have leftovers after serving, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When reheating, remember not to overheat as this can cause the cheese and other ingredients to melt and become stringy. Simply reheat using a microwave or stovetop until warm.
This salad is also great for picnics and outdoor events as it doesn’t require reheating. Just be sure to keep it chilled by storing it in a cooler with plenty of ice packs.
Overall, this gluten-free pasta salad is a versatile dish that can be prepared well ahead of time, stored easily and reheated quickly making it perfect for any occasion!
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure your gluten-free pasta salad turns out perfectly, here are some tips to follow:
1. Cook the Gluten-Free Pasta Correctly
Cook the gluten-free pasta according to package instructions until al dente. It’s important not to overcook the pasta, as it can become mushy and fall apart in the salad.
2. Rinse the Pasta
After cooking the pasta, rinse it under cold running water to stop further cooking and prevent it from becoming too soft. Rinsing also removes excess starch that can cause the pasta to clump together.
3. Use High-Quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the dressing, which adds flavor and healthy fats. Choose a fruity and robust olive oil that will hold up well with other strong flavors such as lemon juice, garlic, and herbs.
4. Fresh Lemon Juice is Key
Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds bright tangy flavor to this gluten-free pasta salad recipe. The acidity from the lemon juice helps balance out the richness of the dressing and make all of the ingredients pop.
5. Adjust Salt and Pepper to Taste
Be sure to taste your dish as you season it with salt and pepper—adjusting both to suit your taste buds.
6. Add Ingredients Gradually
Be sure not to add all of the ingredients at once—gradually adding them in will help you avoid clumping or mashing any individual ingredient(s) into oblivion.
7. Don’t Omit Fresh Basil
Add fresh basil at the end after you’ve mixed together all of your ingredients–it tastes fresher when unheated; its sweet notes add complexity to savory dishes like a creamy Italian pasta salad recipe.
8. Toasted Pine Nuts Are A Must!
As for toppings, lightly toasted pine nuts add an extra crunchiness plus a slightly nutty flavor profile—don’t skip out on this!
Follow these tips and your gluten-free pasta salad will come out perfectly every time! Enjoy!
FAQ
As we are wrapping up this recipe, I have received some frequently asked questions about this gluten-free pasta salad. So, let me debunk any myths and answer your queries so that you can make the best out of this healthy Italian dish.
Does gluten free pasta cook the same as regular pasta?
When it comes to making pasta dishes without gluten, it’s helpful to know that gluten-free pasta can be substituted in recipes seamlessly. However, it’s worth taking note that the texture of the final dish will differ from that of wheat pasta, and care must be taken to avoid overcooking as gluten-free pasta tends to cook faster.
Can you have gluten free pasta cold?
Gluten-free pasta requires cooking before it can be consumed, even if you plan to have it cold. In case you want to make pasta salad, allow the pasta to cool down to room temperature naturally.
Is suddenly salad gluten free?
This product cannot be considered gluten-free due to the presence of three ingredients that contain gluten and three others that may contain gluten depending on their source.
Is brown rice pasta good cold?
When it comes to gluten-free pasta, Jovial Foods Brown Rice Penne reigns supreme. Unlike many other gluten-free noodles out there, these noodles hold up exceptionally well in a cold pasta salad.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Gluten Free Pasta Salad recipe is not only delicious, but it is also a healthy and nutritious option for those who want to enjoy an Italian pasta salad without the gluten or dairy. With easy-to-follow instructions and a short ingredient list, you can make this recipe in no time and impress your friends or family with its creamy texture and refreshing flavors.
Moreover, if you are looking for a dish that can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a few days, then this salad is just perfect for you. You can also make variations using different vegetables, nuts, or protein sources to suit your preferences.
So, what are you waiting for? Head to your kitchen now and give this Gluten Free Pasta Salad recipe a try! Trust me; you won’t be disappointed.
Gluten Free Pasta Salad (By Italiano Signore) Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 ounces gluten-free pasta (corkscrew macaroni)
- 4 ounces sun-dried tomatoes (I use greek oregano sun-dried tomatoes)
- 1/2 cup pine nuts (toasted)
- 4 ounces feta cheese (crumbled)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced, I use jarred minced garlic)
- 1/2 red bell pepper (finely diced, I use yellow, orange and red bell peppers for lots of color!)
- 1/2 red onion (finely diced)
- 4 ounces italian hard salami (small cubed)
- 1 green onion (chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons oregano
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
Instructions
- DIRECTIONS.
- Cook pasta according to package directions (about 10 minutes in boiling water until al dente).
- Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, oregano and set aside.
- Cool pasta in cold water and drain well.
- Add remaining ingredients to a large bowl and mix well.
- Add olive oil mixture and mix well.
- Serve immediately or let marinate overnight in tight container.
- Note: To toast the pine nuts, pre-heat a skillet over medium heat. Add pine nuts and stir occasionally until lightly browned.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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