Gluten-Free Pasta Salad is the perfect quick and easy summer dinner, potluck recipe, or meal prep recipe!

Does anyone else absolutely LOVE a good pasta salad recipe?! Pasta salad has a super special place in my heart because it was one of the first recipes I ever made.

We were going to a block party and my dad suggested I make pasta salad. Since he’s the king of making any typical recipe totally gourmet, he suggested I make pasta salad using tortellini.

I’m not sure if people complimented my pasta salad to make me feel good, or if it really was that good. But the sense of pride I got from successfully making a recipe was amazing.

It’s still one of the reasons why I love this little hobby of mine.

What I love about this Gluten-Free Pasta Salad recipe is that it’s totally customizable and so easy to make. I’ve made it so many times I don’t even have to follow a recipe any more!

How to Make Gluten-Free Pasta Salad

Choose a gluten-free pasta salad. My favorite brand of gluten-free pasta (Banza) just released new gemelli noodles. I knew they would make the perfect addition to my pasta salad. They’re made of chickpeas, so they’re high in protein and naturally gluten-free!
Make your dressing or buy a bottled gluten-free dressing. I always think homemade tastes better and it’s super easy. This can be done in advance!
Add your toppings. Anything you have in your fridge will do! Would be great with the addition of broccoli, any kind of olives, any deli meat, a bunch of herbs, and any cheese substituted for mozzarella.

The noodles paired with fresh vegetables and herbs, topped off with a quick and easy Italian dressing results in a flavorful and delicious gluten-free recipe perfect for summer dinner, meal prep or potlucks!

I love making a big batch of this Gluten-Free Pasta Salad at the beginning of the week and eating it for lunches or as a side for dinners.

The key to meal prepping the pasta salad is to save a portion of the Italian dressing. The pasta will absorb some of the dressing in the refrigerator, so reserve some dressing to toss with the salad right before serving. No more dry pasta salad!

Gluten-Free Pasta Salad

This Gluten-Free Pasta Salad is a quick and easy recipe that's perfect for potlucks, meal prep or family dinner!

Ingredients

For the Pasta Salad

1 box gluten-free pasta (I use Banza pasta)
8 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 medium red onion, diced
4 ounces salami slices, diced
1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
1/2 cup marinated artichoke hearts, chopped
1/4 cup pepperoncini, chopped
1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
4 ounces mozzarella earls, drained

For the Dressing

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
Juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente (mine took 6 minutes).
Drain, rinse with cold water, and toss pasta with olive oil to prevent it from sticking together.
In a large bowl, combine all pasta salad ingredients.
In a small bowl, combine all dressing ingredients. Pour half the dressing into the pasta salad and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving. Reserve and refrigerate the remaining dressing.
Before serving, add a bit more dressing to the pasta salad and toss to coat. Serve cold.

Notes

This recipe was inspired by Pinch of Yum.

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