(Gluten Free) Basil Pasta Salad
Gluten Free Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is sure to please any flavor lover! It is durable for summer picnics, can be made the day before, and tastes great! I made this by the GALLONS for my daughter's birthday party and it was a total hit for all tastebuds. When I make it at home, I refer to use Gluten Free Pasta and for that reason, I feel a built guilt-free when eating it by the bowl full.
My husband very rarely eats pasta, but I've managed to make a few different kinds that he actually gives the time of day to. This Gluten Free Pasta Salad has two of his most disliked ingredients (pasta + basil), but it really comes together well with loads of garlic and parmesan cheese.
Make it ahead of time!
Simply blend basil and garlic in a blender, and mix it into all of the additional ingredients. I am a huge fan of sun-dried tomatoes and try to find ways to use it at every opportunity I can. You can refrigerate this dish for up to two days or enjoy right away. Can it get any more convenient than that?
Side Note-As much as I like pasta, I had to find alternative sources to be able to enjoy it without feeling guilty. After personally trying MANY different kinds for years, brown rice pasta is a go-to for me and my family. Which means its perfect for this Gluten Free Pasta Salad. I almost always use brown rice pasta and my kids have had zero complaints until date. However, I do have occasions when regular pasta makes its way to my plate. This particular dish can be made with either variations depending on your dietary restrictions.
Some variations for this dish
- ADD a nut to your basil paste. Pistachio, almonds, pine nuts, cashews will all taste great.
- ADD chopped grilled chicken to have a bit of a char-flavor and a different texture.
- Hate basil? Try cilantro instead.
Recipe
Basil Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 12oz box pasta of your choice cooked and cooled
- 5 cloves garlic
- 2 oz basil (sweet basil)
- ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 8 oz chopped sundried tomatoes (oil and all)
- 1 cup cooked and diced chicken breast (optional)
- cracked pepper
- salt
- crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- olive oil
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to box instructions. I like to use THIS pasta, but you can use whatever you have at hand or prefer.
- Blend basil leaves and garlic together into a fine paste.
- Mix all ingredients except the red pepper flakes together.
- Add oil from the sun dried tomatoes container and additional oil if you prefer.
- Serve cold.
Notes
- ADD a nut to your basil paste. Pistachio, almonds, pine nuts, cashews will all taste great.
- ADD chopped grilled chicken to have a bit of a char-flavor and a different texture.
- Hate basil? Try cilantro instead.
Hope you enjoy this Gluten Free Pasta Salad dish as much as I do.