Sunshine, laughter, and a table full of vibrant dishes—that’s what summer meals are all about. And right in the center of it all sits a bowl of this refreshing, colorful gluten free pasta salad that somehow disappears faster than anything else on the table.
This dish quickly became a go-to favorite after one busy afternoon when a last-minute gathering called for something simple, fresh, and crowd-friendly. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients and less than 30 minutes, it turned into one of those recipes everyone asks for before they leave.
What makes it truly special is how it checks every box. It’s light yet satisfying, packed with crisp vegetables, and tossed in a zesty lime dressing that instantly wakes up your taste buds. Whether you’re planning a picnic, prepping lunches, or hosting a backyard BBQ, this recipe fits effortlessly into your routine.
If you’ve been searching for the perfect Cold Noodle Salad Summer dish, this one delivers with bright flavors and easy prep. It stands out among typical Summer Pasta Salad Recipes Cold because of its fresh herbs and tangy citrus twist. Not only is it delicious, but it also qualifies as a Cold Pasta Salad Healthy option you can feel good about serving.
Loaded with crunchy vegetables, this Cold Pasta Salad With Veggies brings together everything you love about seasonal eating. It’s the ultimate Veggie Pasta Salad Cold dish that feels both nourishing and indulgent at the same time. For those who prefer meatless meals, this is one of the best Cold Pasta Salad Recipes Vegetarian you’ll want to keep on repeat.
The combination of broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, and cucumber makes it shine among other Vegetable Pasta Salad Recipes Cold, while still being one of those Easy Cold Pasta Salad Recipes Healthy that requires minimal effort. Whether you call it a Cold Pasta Salad Vegetarian favorite or your new go-to Vegetarian Pasta Salad Cold, one thing is certain—it’s always a hit.
And if you’re wondering about flexibility, this recipe even works beautifully as a Pasta Salad With Frozen Vegetables when you’re short on fresh ingredients.
Gluten Free Cold Pasta Salad with Veggies - Easy Healthy Summer Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Salad:
- 1 package gluten-free penne pasta
- 1/2 lb baby carrots, sliced lengthwise and chopped
- 1 cucumber, quartered and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small broccoli head, cut into small florets
- 1 handful yellow cherry tomatoes, sliced in halves
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- For the Dressing:
- Juice from 2 fresh limes (approximately 1/4 cup)
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 1/4 teaspoons sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated garlic
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- A small pinch each of turmeric, allspice, and cumin
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon honey
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gluten-free penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until tender but still firm.
- While the pasta cooks, prepare all your vegetables. Slice the baby carrots into quarters lengthwise, then cut them into smaller pieces. Chop the cucumber into similar bite-sized chunks. Break down the broccoli into small florets and halve the cherry tomatoes. Finely chop the cilantro and set everything aside.
- Once the pasta has finished cooking, immediately drain it using a colander. Rinse thoroughly under cold running water to stop the cooking process and cool it down completely. This step is important for achieving the perfect cold salad texture.
- Transfer the cooled pasta into a large mixing bowl. Add in all the prepared vegetables, distributing them evenly throughout the pasta.
- To make the dressing, combine all dressing ingredients in a small jar with a secure lid. Shake vigorously for about one minute until the mixture is well blended and emulsified.
- Pour the dressing evenly over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Use a large spoon or spatula to toss everything together until all ingredients are well coated.
- Sprinkle in the crumbled feta cheese and gently mix again to incorporate without breaking the pasta.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve chilled and enjoy.
Welcome to Mariasskitchen.com! I’m Maria Tarrant, the proud owner and passionate curator of this website. As an avid lover of all things dessert, baking, and traveling, I’ve combined my passions to create a platform where I can share my culinary adventures and inspirations with you. From decadent cakes to scrumptious cookies, this website is a haven for dessert enthusiasts looking to explore the sweet side of life.
Join me on this delectable journey as I whip up mouthwatering recipes, offer baking tips and tricks, and take you along on my exciting travel escapades, discovering flavors from around the world. MariasSkitchen.com is a place where I pour my heart and soul into each post, hoping to ignite your own culinary passions and create unforgettable memories. So, grab a spoon, pack your bags, and let’s embark on this extraordinary adventure together!