Gluten-Free Refreshing Cold Pasta Salad

Brighten up your summer table with this Gluten-Free Refreshing Cold Pasta Salad, a vibrant and healthy dish packed with fresh ingredients and zesty flavors. Perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or potluck favorite, this salad features tender gluten-free pasta tossed with crisp cucumber, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy red bell pepper, tangy black olives, and optional creamy feta cheese. Fresh basil leaves add an aromatic touch, while a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing infused with Dijon mustard ties it all together. Ready in just 25 minutes and served cold, this gluten-free pasta salad is a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing recipe that's ideal for warm days. With its naturally gluten-free, veggie-loaded goodness and customizable options, it’s a perfect blend of taste and nutrition.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 250 grams Gluten-free pasta
• 200 grams Cherry tomatoes
• 1 whole Cucumber
• 1 whole Red bell pepper
• 0.5 whole Red onion
• 0.5 cup Black olives
• 100 grams Feta cheese (optional)
• 0.5 cup Fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Cook the gluten-free pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to halt cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and red bell pepper, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the black olives. If using feta cheese, crumble it into small pieces.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, black olives, and feta cheese if using.

Step 4

Chop the basil leaves and add them to the pasta salad.

Step 5

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.

Step 6

Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and gently toss to combine, ensuring that all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

Step 7

Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 8

Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 9

Serve cold, garnished with extra basil leaves if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1203.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1342.6

Total Fat 75.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 23.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.3g
Cholesterol 89.3mg	0%
Sodium 4136.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 138.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.0g	0%
Total Sugars 20.2g
Protein 29.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 681.0mg	0%
Iron 8.6mg	0%
Potassium 1486.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.4%

Protein: 8.6%

Carbs: 41.0%