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gluten free pasta salad recipe

Gluten Free Pasta Salad Recipe

5 from 1 vote
This gluten free pasta salad recipe is colorful, refreshing, and packed with flavor. Perfect for summer lunches, BBQs, or weekly meal prep, it’s easy to customize with your favorite veggies, dressings, and protein.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Lunch, pasta, Salad
Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Italian and Mediterranean flavors
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the salad:
  • 8 oz gluten free pasta e.g., brown rice, chickpea, or quinoa pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup cucumber diced
  • ½ red onion finely sliced
  • ½ cup black olives sliced
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese optional
  • 1 cup chickpeas or grilled chicken for protein
  • ¼ cup chopped parsley or basil
  • For the dressing:
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice or red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot for boiling pasta
  • 1 Colander For draining pasta
  • 1 Large bowl For mixing salad
  • 1 Cutting board For prepping veggies
  • 1 Knife (For chopping ingredients)

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until just al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside to cool.
  2. Prep the veggies and toppings while the pasta cools. Slice cherry tomatoes, dice cucumbers, chop herbs, and prepare protein of choice.
  3. Whisk the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl — olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Assemble the salad. In a large bowl, combine pasta, vegetables, chickpeas or protein, herbs, and feta.
  5. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently until well coated. Chill for 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
  6. Serve cold and garnish with extra herbs, feta, or a squeeze of lemon if desired.

Notes

  • Great for meal prep — lasts 3–4 days in the fridge.
  • Easily made vegan by omitting feta and using a dairy-free dressing.
  • Add-ins like avocado, roasted red pepper, or sun-dried tomatoes add bonus flavor and color!
  • Pasta will absorb dressing over time — reserve a little to freshen it up before serving.
gluten free pasta salad recipe
gluten free pasta salad recipe
Dig in, chill out, and enjoy the fresh crunch of this gluten free pasta salad — because eating well should always feel this good. Bon appétit, bowl boss! 🥄🌿