Why You’ll Love this Gluten Free Pasta Salad Recipe
If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying dish, you’ll absolutely love this gluten-free pasta salad. It’s the perfect blend of flavors and textures that keeps you coming back for more.
The sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the creamy feta cheese. Plus, the toasted pine nuts give it a delightful crunch.
I love how easy it’s to make, too—just cook the pasta, toss in fresh ingredients, and drizzle with a zesty dressing. Whether it’s a summer picnic or a quick lunch, this salad fits any occasion.
I often make it ahead of time; the flavors only get better as they marinate. Trust me, it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen!
Ingredients of Gluten Free Pasta Salad
When it comes to whipping up a delightful dish that’s both gluten-free and bursting with flavor, this sun-dried tomato pasta salad is a go-to in my kitchen. It’s a symphony of ingredients that play together perfectly, creating a mouthwatering experience in every bite.
You’ve got the satisfying chew of the brown rice pasta, the zesty tang of sun-dried tomatoes, and the creaminess of feta cheese all mingling in one bowl. Plus, it’s super easy to make, which is a huge bonus for me—who has time for complicated recipes?
Let’s explore the ingredients you’ll need for this fabulous salad.
Ingredients:
- 16 ounces of brown rice pasta (Tinkyada spirals)
- 4 ounces of sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 1/2 cup of pine nuts (toasted)
- 4 ounces of feta cheese (crumbled)
- 1/4 cup of fresh basil (chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/2 red bell pepper (finely diced)
- 1/2 red onion (finely diced)
- 4 ounces of hard Italian salami (small cubed)
- 1 green onion (chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of oregano
- 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup of lemon juice
Now, let’s chat about these ingredients for a moment. First, if you’re not a fan of salami, feel free to swap it out for another protein or even leave it out entirely—this salad is pretty versatile.
And speaking of versatility, the veggies can be adjusted based on what you have on hand, so if you’ve got some leftover cherry tomatoes or a zucchini that’s looking for a purpose, toss them in. Just remember, the more colorful, the better!
Also, don’t skimp on the fresh basil; it’s like a little burst of summer in every bite. So gather your ingredients, and let’s get ready to make something delicious!
How to Make Gluten Free Pasta Salad
Alright, let’s plunge into making this scrumptious sun-dried tomato gluten-free pasta salad. First things first, grab 16 ounces of brown rice pasta—those Tinkyada spirals are my personal favorite for a chewy texture that holds up beautifully.
Cook the pasta according to the package directions, which usually means boiling it in water for about 10 minutes until it’s al dente. You know, that perfect bite where it’s not too soft but still has a little spring to it. Once it’s done, drain that pasta and give it a cool rinse under cold water. We don’t want it clumping together, do we? A quick chill will help keep those spirals separated and ready to mingle with the rest of the ingredients.
Now, while your pasta is cooling, let’s whip up that delicious dressing. In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil and 1/4 cup of lemon juice, adding in 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of oregano. This dressing is where the magic happens—it’s tangy, zesty, and just the right amount of flavorful. Imagine drizzling this over your pasta and watching everything come together.
Once the pasta is cool, toss it into a large bowl and add in 4 ounces of chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 1/2 cup of toasted pine nuts (toasting them is key; they get all nutty and fragrant), 4 ounces of crumbled feta cheese, and a colorful mix of 1/2 red bell pepper, 1/2 red onion, and a chopped green onion. Don’t forget those 2 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 cup of fresh basil for that burst of flavor that will make your taste buds do a happy dance.
Give everything a good mix, and then drizzle that lovely olive oil mixture over the top. Toss it all together until everything is coated in that zesty goodness. You can serve it right away, but if you have the patience (which I sometimes lack), letting it marinate overnight in the fridge allows all those flavors to really get to know each other.
It’s like a party in a bowl, and you’re the host. Just remember to taste it before serving; you might want to adjust the seasoning a bit. There you go, your sun-dried tomato gluten-free pasta salad is ready to impress!
Gluten Free Pasta Salad Substitutions & Variations
While this sun-dried tomato gluten-free pasta salad is already a hit, there are plenty of ways to switch things up to suit your taste or dietary needs.
You can easily swap out the brown rice pasta for quinoa or chickpea pasta if you’re looking for a different texture or flavor. For a vegan option, replace the feta cheese with avocado or a cashew-based cheese.
If you’re not a fan of salami, try grilled chicken, shrimp, or even roasted vegetables. I often add extra veggies like zucchini or spinach for more nutrients.
You could also play with the herbs; dill or parsley make great alternatives to basil. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to experiment!
What to Serve with Gluten Free Pasta Salad
After creating a delicious sun-dried tomato gluten-free pasta salad, you might wonder what to pair it with to complete your meal.
I love serving it alongside grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost that complements the salad’s flavors.
If you’re aiming for a vegetarian option, consider pairing it with roasted vegetables or a hearty vegetable platter. A light, crisp green salad also works wonders, adding freshness to the table.
For a more indulgent touch, a slice of crusty gluten-free bread can be a great addition.
And don’t forget a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with a lemon twist to elevate your dining experience.
Enjoy experimenting with these pairings to find your perfect match!
Additional Tips & Notes
To make your sun-dried tomato gluten-free pasta salad even more delightful, consider a few additional tips.
First, if you want extra flavor, try adding some olives or artichoke hearts. They’ll enhance the Mediterranean vibe. If you’re looking for more protein, grilled chicken or chickpeas are great options. For a spicy kick, toss in some red pepper flakes.
Also, don’t hesitate to adjust the dressing according to your taste—add more lemon juice for tang or olive oil for richness.
I love letting the salad marinate overnight; it allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Finally, remember to serve it chilled, especially on hot days. Enjoy your delicious creation!