Dairy- & Gluten Free Pasta Salad

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Craving a tasty and refreshing meal? Look no further than this vegan & gluten-free pasta salad. This dish is perfect for warm summer days or as a quick lunch option.

You’ll love how easy it is to make and customize with your favorite veggies and dressings. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients and flavor, making it a satisfying choice for everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions.

Ready to try it out? Get your ingredients ready and prepare to enjoy a delicious, guilt-free pasta salad that will leave you feeling energized and satisfied.

Tool Requirements

You’ll need a few basic kitchen tools to make pasta salad. A large pot is essential for boiling the pasta. Grab a colander to drain it once cooked.

A sharp knife and cutting board come in handy for prepping veggies and herbs. You’ll want a big mixing bowl to combine all the ingredients.

Don’t forget measuring cups and spoons for portioning out dressing ingredients. A whisk or fork helps blend the dressing smoothly.

Lastly, pick up some airtight containers if you plan to store leftovers. These keep your pasta salad fresh in the fridge.

Preparing The Ingredients

Getting your ingredients ready is key for a tasty pasta salad. Start by choosing your favorite gluten-free pasta. There are many options like rice, corn, or quinoa-based noodles.

Next, pick your veggies. Fresh and colorful choices work best. Think cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and red onion. Chop them into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.

For protein, grab some canned chickpeas or white beans. Rinse them well before adding to your salad. You can also toss in some nuts or seeds for extra crunch.

Don’t forget the herbs! Fresh basil or parsley can add a nice pop of flavor. Mince them finely to spread the taste throughout your salad.

Lastly, consider your dressing ingredients. Olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of mustard make a simple yet tasty mix. You can add garlic or your favorite spices to jazz it up.

With everything prepped, you’re ready to cook your pasta and assemble your salad. Remember to taste as you go and adjust flavors to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

Your gluten-free pasta salad is ready to shine at any meal. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or backyard barbecues.

Pair this colorful dish with grilled veggie skewers for a complete plant-based feast. You can also add it as a side to your favorite veggie burger or sandwich.

For a refreshing twist, try serving it in hollowed-out bell peppers or tomatoes. This makes for an eye-catching presentation at summer parties.

Don’t forget to garnish your pasta salad before serving. Sprinkle some fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top. A squeeze of lemon juice can add a bright, zesty touch.

If you’re taking it to go, pack it in an airtight container. Keep it cool with ice packs to maintain freshness. Remember to bring extra dressing on the side to revive the flavors just before eating.

This versatile dish works well for lunch or dinner. You can even enjoy it as a light meal on its own. Add some chickpeas or tofu cubes for extra protein if you like.

Storage Tips

You’ll want to keep your salad fresh.

• Pop it in an airtight container before sticking it in the fridge. This keeps it good for about 3-5 days.
• If you’ve added avocado or other quick-browning ingredients, eat it sooner. These items can make the salad go bad faster.
• Planning to freeze some? No problem. Just leave out any raw veggies or fruits. They’ll get mushy when thawed. Pack the salad in a freezer-safe container and use within 2 months.
• When you’re ready to eat, let frozen pasta salad thaw in the fridge overnight. Give it a good stir before serving. You might need to add a splash of dressing to liven it up.
• For best flavor, let chilled pasta salad sit at room temp for 15 minutes before eating. This wakes up the flavors that get dulled in the cold.
• Remember to use clean utensils when serving. This stops bacteria from getting in and spoiling your salad too soon.

Dairy & Gluten-Free Pasta Salad

This dairy-free & gluten-free pasta salad is exactly what you're looking for! It's filled with a bunch of veggies and you can add your favorite type of pasta. Serve it as a vegan pasta salad recipe that's simple to make and is perfectly suitable for lunch or dinner.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine Italian

Servings 2 servings

Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients

  

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• 2 cups of gluten-free pasta rice, corn, or quinoa-based noodles
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes chopped
• 1 cucumber chopped
• 1 bell pepper chopped
• 1/2 red onion chopped
• 1 cup of canned chickpeas or white beans rinsed
• 1/4 cup of nuts or seeds optional
• 2 tablespoons of fresh basil or parsley minced
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon of mustard
• 1 clove of garlic minced (optional)

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

 

• Cook the gluten-free pasta according to the package directions.
• Rinse the pasta with cold water and drain well.
• Chop cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion into bite-sized pieces.
• Rinse the canned chickpeas or white beans well.
• Optionally, add nuts or seeds for extra crunch.
• Mince fresh basil or parsley finely.
• Mix olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, and minced garlic (if using) in a jar.
• Add your favorite spices to the dressing.
• Shake the jar well to combine all the flavors.
• Toss all the ingredients with the dressing.
• Ensure every bite is coated.
• Taste and adjust flavors as needed.
• Your tasty gluten-free pasta salad is ready to enjoy.

Nutrition

Calories: 500kcal

Keyword Vegan

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Stefan K.

Stefan has been vegan since 2019 and has been regularly working on his strength since the beginning of 2023. He’s on a mission to help other vegans get stronger and have all of them achieve the quality of life they deserve.