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Easy Creamy Gluten-Free Pasta Salad Recipe Perfect for Summer Parties

creamy gluten-free pasta salad - featured image

A quick and easy creamy gluten-free pasta salad that’s perfect for summer parties, made with simple ingredients and a tangy homemade dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) gluten-free fusilli or your favorite gluten-free pasta
  • 1 cup (240 ml) plain full-fat Greek yogurt (or dairy-free coconut yogurt for vegan)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise (regular or vegan)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: sliced black olives, diced bell peppers, or crumbled feta cheese

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz gluten-free fusilli and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until tender but still firm. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Shake off excess water thoroughly.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic until smooth and creamy.
  4. Finely dice red onion, cucumber, and halve cherry tomatoes. Chop fresh parsley or dill.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, and creamy dressing. Toss gently to coat evenly.
  6. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add optional ingredients like sliced black olives or crumbled feta cheese if desired.
  7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
  8. Before serving, gently toss the salad again and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with extra fresh herbs.

Notes

Do not overcook gluten-free pasta to avoid mushiness. Rinse pasta thoroughly after cooking to stop the cooking process and cool it for better salad texture. Mix dressing separately before combining. Chop veggies uniformly for better texture. Make ahead and chill for best flavor. Use gentle folding to keep pasta intact.

Nutrition

Keywords: gluten-free pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, summer salad, gluten-free recipe, easy pasta salad, dairy-free option, vegan pasta salad