Gluten-Free Classic Pasta Salad
By the Gluten Free Recipes team ·
This vibrant gluten-free pasta salad bursts with classic flavors and a satisfying chewy texture from rice pasta. A simple yet delicious side dish perfect for any occasion.
At a glance: This easy salads and sides recipe yields 4 servings in about 20 minutes (10 min prep, 10 min cook). It uses 7 ingredients — including gluten-free rice pasta, extra virgin olive oil, acid — and walks through 5 steps. Updated . Browse more salads and sides recipes or return to all gluten-free recipes.
Cross-Contamination Warning for Gluten-Free Classic Pasta Salad: When preparing this salads and sides recipe, in a shared kitchen, avoid porous materials — wooden spoons, wooden cutting boards, and scratched non-stick pans can harbor gluten proteins even after washing. Prefer glass, metal, or silicone tools.
Gluten-Free Notes for Gluten-Free Classic Pasta Salad: This recipe is naturally gluten-free by using certified gluten-free rice pasta and avoiding any gluten-containing grains. Always check labels on processed ingredients.
Ingredients
- 8 oz gluten-free rice pasta
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp acid (lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, or rice vinegar)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (verify GF)
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Cook the gluten-free rice pasta according to package directions until al dente, typically for about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta well and rinse with cool water to prevent sticking, then set aside in a large mixing bowl.
- 2
While the pasta cooks, prepare the dressing by whisking together the extra virgin olive oil, your chosen acid (lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, or rice vinegar), gluten-free Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. If using, add the minced garlic and whisk until well combined and emulsified, about 1-2 minutes.
- 3
Add any desired mix-ins to the bowl with the cooked gluten-free rice pasta. Common additions include chopped vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or cherry tomatoes, and herbs such as parsley or basil.
- 4
Pour the prepared dressing over the gluten-free rice pasta and mix-ins. Toss everything gently for about 1-2 minutes until the pasta and other ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.
- 5
Allow the gluten-free pasta salad to marinate at room temperature for at least 15-30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, enhancing the overall taste and texture of the salad.
Nutrition (per serving)
Tips & Notes
- If substituting olive oil for butter, use about 3/4 the amount (olive oil is 100% fat, butter is ~80%).
- Zest the lemon before juicing — it's nearly impossible to zest after the lemon is squeezed.
- Press or mince garlic rather than slicing for a more pungent flavor; slice for a milder taste.
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