Summer isn't complete without the pasta salad! This gluten-free, allergy-friendly, vegan pasta salad is packed with bright summer veggies and tossed with a zesty Italian oil-free dressing. A classic made healthy and safe for everyone to enjoy at any summer cook-out!
As you can tell by this blog (if you've been reading for awhile), is that I rarely, well okay, never, eat pasta. It's just not my thing, regardless of Celiac Disease. Growing up, I was a little girl who loved and adored her pasta. All shapes, sizes, dishes, everything. In more recent years, pasta had absolutely no appeal to me. I'm still not 100% about it, but for some reason I was craving that classic boxed pasta salad mix my mom used to make years ago. Just soft tri-colored spirals with those red pepper pieces, awesome Italian dressing, and I think my mom would throw in a can of olives as well to jazz it up.
I could remember it being one of my favorite things! Cold, delicious, Italian pasta salad. Not exactly healthy or gluten-free though. So I listened to my pasta craving and decided to try my hand at my own amp-ed up veggie version. Might I say, I think I nailed it with this one! Nailed it so much, I may just enjoy pasta again every now and then.
The first step was finding the perfect gluten-free pasta. None of this grain-free alternative stuff. I needed some real quality Fusilli pasta. One that would hold up when cooked, not get like soggy mush, and taste like the real deal. What did I end up choosing? My new go-to pasta brand, TruRoots. I had used their pasta for a recipe over winter break and had good results, so when I saw they had some beautiful Ancient Grain Fusilli, I had high hopes. It's made with organic quinoa, amaranth, brown rice, and corn.
My, this pasta held up so well! Not mushy or soggy, perfectly soft, yet al dente, and tasted like some damn good pasta. It can be rough finding a good gluten-free pasta...really rough. Sometimes, down right scary, but this pasta had a wonderful flavor and texture. You can say, I'm a fan! (No, this post is not sponsored...I just really like TruRoot's pasta!) And you get the added bonus of eating pure whole grains, and not some cheap rice or gmo corn pasta with added preservatives and stripped of nutrition. You know, the empty-calorie pasta.
Now, the next hurdle I had to overcome, was the dressing situation. Soy, gluten, sodium, sugar, who know's what in the classic. But of course I had faith that I could make my own stellar dressing. (Condiment Queen here!) I went to my spice cabinet and gathered every Italian herb I could think of. Then my trusty Pompeian red wine vinegar and we were in business. I usually don't cook it added oil in my dishes, so this dressing is oil-free. Just vinegar, herbs, and spices.
After that, It was just time to choose the best pasta salad veggies. I added them all, cucumber, bell pepper, corn, broccoli, tomato, red onion, mushrooms, olives. It's packed and delicious! See for yourself!
Summer Veggie Pasta Salad
Summer Veggie Pasta Salad
Summer isnโt complete without the pasta salad! This gluten-free, allergy-friendly, vegan pasta salad is packed with bright summer veggies and tossed with a zesty Italian oil-free dressing. A classic made healthy and safe for everyone to enjoy at any summer cook-out!
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Side Dish, Pasta, Salad
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Ingredients
- 8 oz (1 bag) TruRoots Gluten-Free Ancient Grain Fusilli
- 1 Small Cucumber (chopped)
- 1 Small Green Bell Pepper (chopped)
- 1 Medium Vine Ripe Tomato (chopped)
- 1 Small Red Onion (diced)
- 1 Cup Diced White Mushrooms
- 1 Cup Sweet Yellow Corn
- 1 Cup Chopped Broccoli
- ยฝ Cup Sliced Black Olives (rinsed)
- 1 Tsp Lemon Zest
- 2 TB Fresh Italian Parsley (chopped)
- Italian Dressing:
- ยพ Tsp Dried Oregano
- ยฝ Tsp Dried Basil
- ยผ Tsp Crushed Dried Rosemary
- ยผ Tsp Dried Marjoram
- ยผ Tsp Dried Thyme
- ยผ Tsp Ground Sage (scant)
- ยผ Tsp Black Pepper
- ยฝ Tsp Minced Garlic
- 1 TB Lemon Juice
- ยฝ Cup Red Wine Vinegar
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to directions. I did the full 8 minutes. Then drain the pasta, but DO NOT rinse it. Simply set it aside in a colander while you prep your veggies.
- In a very large mixing bowl, combine the pasta, all veggies, lemon zest, and parsley.
- In a small bowl, combine the spices and herbs and whisk together with the vinegar and lemon juice.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and stir everything to combine and get coated.
- Serve right away at room temperature, or refrigerate for later. Pasta salad should be served room temperature, not freezing cold, not warm and hot, but just so. Enjoy!
I had this pasta salad two days in a row (of course leftovers are the best!) and I just adore it more and more. I'm not joking when I tell you this tastes like my childhood...but better if I do say so myself ๐ Now everyone, even me, can enjoy a healthy allergy-free pasta salad at every summer cook-out! My brother, a total gluten-eater, even ate and enjoyed this! So that means just nix the gluten pasta salad entirely and just make this safe dish for everyone! Don't tell them and see if anyone notices. (They won't, trust me!) If you make this for a cook-out or BBQ, let me know what everyone thinks! I guarantee it will be an all-around crowd-pleaser and will become a new classic and staple dish!
So tell me:
+ Are you a fan of pasta salad? I think I need to make a healthy macaroni salad next. You know, the creamy super unhealthy, but delicious one!
+ What's your favorite summer cookout dish? Gotta love potato salad! Which I have a killer recipe I'll be sharing soon! It will blow your mind!
*Recipe linking up for the week!ย Allergy Free Wednesdays,ย #RecipeOfTheWeek,#StrangeButGood, Gluten-Free Wednesdays, Real Food Friday,ย Gluten-Free Fridays,Tasty Tuesdays, Savoring Saturdays,ย Healthy Vegan Fridays,ย Tasty Tuesdays,ย Meatless Mondays, Lenaโs Tasty Tuesdays!*
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Jen
This is the perfect salad for me to bring to the picnic at the park we are having on the weekend! We're all bringing something healthy and I'm in charge of the salads ๐
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Ah, well this one will blow all other salads out of the park! Enjoy!
Ali Williams
Hi Rebecca! I'm featuring your beautiful salad as my favorite on Savoring Saturdays! Hope to see another of your wonderful recipes this weekend!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
bristol plasterers
Great little recipe. Top marks. Thanks for sharing this.
Simon
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, okay, thanks!
Simple Nature Decor
You will be a feature on Fabulous Friday for the Pasta Salad!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
kimmythevegan
I wasn't really into pasta salad growing up. I think it's because I always thought the dressing was kinda gross. But your homemade dressing sounds super delicious! This is such a perfect summer potluck dish =)
Thanks for sharing at HVF! I'm pinning this recipe!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Just vinegar and lovely herbs and spices!
Honest mum
Wow delicious! Thanks for linking up to #brilliantblogpots x
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Deborah Davis
Hi Rebecca,
I can't wait to make this healthy and delicious Summer Veggie Pasta Salad for our Summer festivities! Of course, with yummy ingredients like these, I will be making and eating these quite often.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Creatively Homespun
Yum! This would be a great addition to my "potluck" contribution list!!! ๐ It so hard to find good pasta salads that my Little One can have.. this is perfect! Love all these Paleo Foods!! ๐ You AMAZE me every week!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you so much dear! Enjoy!
Helen Neale
This looks like just the meal needed on a hot day like today!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Totally! Perfect light summer fare!
Julie @ Running in a Skirt
I love the dressing on this! So light and flavorful!
Great recipe- Thanks for linking up for Meatless Monday! Pinned!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you dear!
Kathy
Stopping over from the Recipe Swap. This looks great. Pasta salads are so easy and so delicious.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
They are! Thanks Kathy!
Elaine Hodges
Yum!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Jamie
I love pasta salad! This looks great! I will be pinning for later! Thank you for joining us at the Merry Monday Link Party!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you so much!
Suzie@homemaker-mom
This salad looks stunning. I would love it all but the olives. I would leave those out for myself... but otherwise YUM!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, the olives are my favorite part!
Sherry
I love pasta salad! I usually make mine all veggie but sometimes I add a little cheese. My favorite cookout dish is deviled eggs, macaroni salad, cole slaw, potato salad...:-)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Ah, cole slaw! I forgot about that one!
Gina
YUM! I definitely want to make this. Pasta salad is one of my all-time favorites! ๐ thanks so much for sharing!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Gina! I hope you get to enjoy it!
Kelly @ Mostly Homemade Mom
See, in our house, I think we eat too much pasta - ha! This salad looks delicious for summer!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, thank you! Well now you can add this one in for a new recipe ๐
Elizabeth Shaw
OMG Such a pretty picture!! Love this! Way to go lady... your site is amazing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, well thank you so much Elizabeth!
Emma
I love a fresh pasta salad for a Summer lunch. I hope this has satisfied your cravings! #freefromfridays
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It did, haha! Thanks dear!
Caroline @Caroline's Cooking
I need to try pasta salad again as I have this thing in my mind that makes me think boring and/or soggy as soon as I see them as can often be the case, but this looks like one I could like. Thanks for sharing with FF.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
This one will blow your mind! Really, I don't even like pasta, but this was so good AND it was amazing the next day...and the next!
Julie is HostessAtHeart
What a beautiful salad. I just love all of those crunchy veggies with pasta and a flavorful vinaigrette. It is just perfect for those meals where you don't want to use the stove, and perfect for entertaining!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It is the perfect all-around summer "cooking" meal!
Annmarie
My mother in law makes a similar pasta salad for picnics and it is one of my fav side dishes. So yummy!! Thanks for linking up!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It's such a classic!
karen
LOVE summer salads, so many varieties and ingredients you can add. Stopping by from #RealFoodFriday
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Karen!
Lisa @ RunWiki
I can't think of a better way to fuel my long run than a salad like this. I love all of the fresh summer veggies we have right now and pairing them with an al dente pasta is heaven in a bowl. Pinned for later!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, yes! The perfect healthy carb and veggie packed fuel! Thanks Lisa! XOXO
Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine
I've always hated mayo-- so the creamy macaroni and potato salads were out for me. My aunt used to make a veggie pasta salad like this one-- and I continued to make it until I had to cut gluten out. I recently tried to make one like this using a quinoa pasta, and while it was great on day 1, the pasta got hard and dried out by 2, and inedible by day 3. Did the brand you suggested hold up better to a few days?
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Lol, the whole post is about the brand Michelle!
Bethany
It looks really yummy!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
revealed
wow i love all the bright colors! yum!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Melissa @ vegan does it
I love this! I have memories of those boxed pasta salads at nearly every picnic or barbecue we had growing up. Mom always added olives to ours too. This looks great and I will definitely have to try it soon!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I think olives are a must!! They just make the salad for me, hahaha!
Lora
YUM YUM YUM! I loe a good pasta salad! ๐
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You'll love this one then!
Celeste
Love the homemade dressing, pinned this so I can find it later!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Beth
This looks so delicious! Deffintley my lunch for tomorrow.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, yay! Thanks!
K's Mum
awww this looks so goood! I love salad and pasta so I can't wait to try this! thanks for sharing it! #brilliantblogposts
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
beth byrd
This looks so fresh and delicious! Healthy, too! Yumm!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Tirralan - Tinseltown Mom
This is truly my kind of salad!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Woooo!
Laura
I love how loaded with veggies this salad is, and the dressing looks delicious:) Dressings made with vinegar and herbs are my fave - a little tangy and not oily at all. Looks good:)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I ADORE vinegars and have like 50 bottles in my pantry at all times! But I do love just flavoring up a simple plain one with loads of herbs!
Silly Mummy
This sounds lovely. I love pasta salad. #brilliantblogposts
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Jessie, FlusteredMom
Looks delish Rebecca! Love all those glowing green veggies. #BrilliantBlogPosts
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, thank you!!
Jessica @ Moxie and Mischief
I love pasta salad! I've never made it with mushrooms through... hmmm, I will have to try that!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Ha, doesn't change anything much!
Evolve with Mary
This pasta salad screams picnic, I can't wait to try it.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, it does! Thank you dear!
Shannon
This looks amazing! I absolutely love pasta salad... will definitely have to give this a try.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you! I hope you do!
sue
What would summer be without a Pasta Salad and this one looks so colourful and delicious. Thanks for sharing with us at #AnythingGoes
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks dear!
Harriet Emily
Omg I am LOVING this pasta salad, Rebecca! It's not a summer for me without pasta salad, and this looks soooooo delicious - that dressing sounds absolutely amazing, yum!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you, thank you! I'm excited to have pasta salad again finally!
Sam @ PancakeWarriors
I've been craving pasta salad too! Oh thanks for the heads up on the gluten free pasta, I'm seriously so sketchy of gluten free pasta - it can be a bit gummy ๐ This looks like it's amazing though! Yay for no bottled dressing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Legit, this pasta totally blew my mind!
Kiano
Such a great dish to bring to any summer potluck!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It is! Thanks!
Megan @ Straight From The Jar
I LOVE any kind of pasta salad. The fact that this one is loaded with veggies is the best! YUM.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Veggies are ALWAYS the best, right? Haha! Thanks dear!
kenzie negron
this looks delicious! such an awesome summer dish, but also super healthy!
xx, kenz
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yup! Thank you!
Kennedy Cole|KCole's Creative Corner
We make pasta salad on a regular basis. And this looks like a good, healthful way to change up our usual pasta salad. I love all of those beautiful vegetables in there.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I hope you do throw this into the routine then! Thanks!
Heather Serra
This is great! I have a few pot-luck picnics I'll have to make this for. My sister-in-law is gluten free so my family & I are always looking for different recipes we can make for her. Thanks for sharing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
This would be perfect!!!
Amelia @ Eating Made Easy
Great flavors in this salad. Love that you omitted the oil too, great way to cut calories.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Exactly what I was aiming for ๐ Thanks dear!
Elle Spann
this looks amazing + packed with nutrients, but then again, coming from you, I'm not surprised!
Elle
Southern Elle Style
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, thanks dear ๐
Lee at Veggie Quest
Rebecca, this pasta salad looks amazing--loaded with delicious veggies! I love that the dressing is oil-free, too. Can't wait to try it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you so much Lee! XOXO
Angela
This looks really good! I always like to have a pasta salad on the ready (or at least the ingredients) it makes for a quick lunch when I'm short on time in the morning!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It is a great lunch option since it can be cold and packed!
Linda @ Veganosity
This looks like the pasta salad that my mom makes-haha! I do like pasta, but hot better than cold.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Your mom knows a good pasta salad then ๐
Mindy
I never thought about putting broccoli in my pasta salad! Yum - I'm making this for the 4th <3
xoxo, Mindy
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yay! I hope you do! Let me know. Broccoli is a must ๐
Heather / girlichef
You know what? I've been craving that creamy unhealthy pasta salad for a while now...but I haven't had it in YEARS, so I think I'll just go ahead and make some. However, I'd love to add your summer veggie pasta salad to the menu, as well - it looks incredible!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I'll be making a healthy creamy version soon! Haha! Kinda craving it too ๐
valerie bustamante
I make a version of this pasta and it's my favorite. I really like your version a whole lot better thought.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, well I hope you try it!
Natalie @ Feasting on Fruit
Pasta seems to be another thing we agree on! If it's sitting in front of me or deliciously staring me in the face in the form of a colorful pasta salad I'll eat it, but it's rarely my carb of choice. I ate it a lot as a kid too--those tri-colored spirals that always made me think I was getting my servings of veggies ๐ haha
Even if I don't pasta very often, this looks like a splendid way to enjoy it! I'm used to tomatoes and broccoli in pasta salad, but the mushrooms are a fantastic idea! Simple, summer, yum ๐
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Right!? I mean, I was a pasta every day kinda little girl, but now...I really just...don't. Haha!
So I was surprised by this amazing dish!
Mushrooms are always a good addition ๐
Thanks dear! XOXO
Ali @ Home & Plate
This is the perfect salad for a bbq. Chock full of fresh veggies. Yum.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It is!!! I'll be making this all summer!
LIz
This looks fantastic!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Sheryl
Rebecca, that looks AMAZING! Your blog is great. I enjoy your posts. Have you checked out Freedible? It is an online allergy community. You can post blogs, recipes, connect with others who suffer from similar issues, etc. I stumbled upon it a few months back. It is still in BETA mode, but it is WONDERFUL! Here is my link: http://www.freedible.com/go-to-profile/ Let me know what you think. ๐
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Cool, thanks Sheryl!
Christie
I love that you made your own Italian dressing. This sounds like the perfect pasta salad.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!!! Gotta make it super healthy and full of flavor!
Leanne
This looks so good! Can not wait to try it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Jerusha (TheDisneyChef.com)
So beautiful! I love how fresh and bright it looks! Thanks for sharing! - Jerusha
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you dear!
Dietitian Jess
Pasta is definitely one of my favorite foods and something I grew up eating... especially mom's homemade Italian pasta salad! This sounds like a bite of nonstalgia ๐
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I hope you give it a try then dear! XOXO
Amber
I never even liked pasta salad, but this is making me drool and want it so bad! and oMG I am SO with you, I used to lOVE LOVE LOVE pasta growing up, since being diagnosed, the appeal has been lost to me, maybe cause it's tough finding a "real deal" version, cause as you said, most are mush and don't hold up!
love that you listened to your cravings, tweeting this to share now!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You've GOT TO try this! I mean...I really don't like pasta, but this was like heaven!
Debbie
I love pasta salad! I don't have any problems with gluten but the last time I made one I did use gluten free pasta. I love that you can use a variety of veggies and it's always so good. I did us oil though ๐
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
This is probably the best one I've ever had!
Nikki
Yum! This looks delicious!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you Nikki!
Rachel Cooks
I think this needs to be my lunch today. Looks amazing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I think so too ๐ Thanks Rachel!
Bethany
I love all of the surplus veggies and spices in here! Thanks for sharing ๐
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you Bethany!
pam (Sidewalk Shoes)
I love all the veggies in this. I can eat wheat, but this pasta sounds like something I might like to try.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It's really great! I really think I found the best GF pasta!
Anu-My Ginger Garlic Kitchen
Loved this looking veggie pasta โ loaded with so many flavors and lots of good health! YUMMY!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It is definitely loaded! Thanks dear!