Our gluten-free pasta salad is simple to make and features simple ingredients kids love. Made with an easy mayo-based dressing this pasta salad is also dairy-free.
It is the creaminess of the dressing combined with the crunch of the cucumbers and saltiness of the salami that makes this one of the best gluten free pasta salad recipes. Add in the sliced olives and fresh tomatoes & you’ve got yourself the ultimate side dish!
Do you prefer a creamy or oil-based pasta salad? If you typically pick oil-based over creamy, this may be the recipe that changes your decision! We are constantly impressed with this dressing. It is light, refreshing and flavor packed every time.
Even better, this gluten free pasta salad recipe is always a huge hit among kids. Not only can they enjoy a flavorful gluten-free recipe, but it is an awesome way for kids to eat more veggies. Stick with fresh cucumbers and grape tomatoes or add in even more vegetables (see suggestions below!).
For more vegetable packed recipes for kids, check out our Vegetable Strata Recipe, Gluten Free Zucchini Muffins, Veggie Mac and Cheese Recipe, and Baked Veggie Nuggets.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 8 ounces gluten-free rotini
- 2.25 ounces sliced olives
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
- 4 ounces salami, sliced ✅
- 1 small cucumber, diced
Dressing
- 1 cup mayo ✅
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar ✅
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning ✅
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder ✅
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder ✅
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Gluten-Free Guide: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten.
How To Make Pasta Salad Gluten-Free
Boil the pasta using the box instructions. Drain then place into a mixing bowl and let cool.
Combine the mayo and seasonings
In a mixing bowl whisk together the mayo, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
Combine the pasta and dressing
Add the gluten free salad dressing to the pasta and gently combine. Add the olives, tomatoes, salami, and cucumber. Stir well. Chill until ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Zucchini, sun-dried tomatoes, shredded carrots, green beans, squash, broccoli, cauliflower and/or bell peppers all make great additions to this pasta salad.
We prefer to cook the pasta al dente then rinse with cold water and let cool. Wait to add the dressing, meat and veggies until the pasta is completely cool for best results.
Yes! Make a day ahead then store in the fridge in an airtight container until ready to serve.
Kids In The Kitchen
Cooking tips and suggestions for kids making this recipe.
- Add any vegetables growing in your garden to this pasta salad recipe
- Rinsing the pasta after cooking helps prevent the noodles from sticking together
- Add diced chicken, ham or mini pepperonis to the pasta salad for more color and flavor
Try These Gluten-Free Pasta Recipes Too!
Our Ground Chicken Pasta, Taco Pasta Bake, Baked Chicken Ziti, Gluten-Free Baked Ziti with Sausage, and Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole are all simple, delicious and celiac-safe!
CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.
The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.
Gluten Free Pasta Salad Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 ounces gluten-free rotini
- 2.25 ounces sliced olives
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
- 4 ounces salami, sliced ✅
- 1 small cucumber, diced
Dressing
- 1 cup mayo ✅
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar ✅
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning ✅
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder ✅
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder ✅
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- ⭐️ Boil the pasta. Boil the pasta using the box instructions. Drain then place into a mixing bowl and let cool.8 ounces gluten-free rotini
- Combine the mayo and seasonings. In a mixing bowl whisk together the mayo, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.1 cup mayo, 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Combine the pasta and dressing. Add the dressing to the pasta and gently combine. Add the olives, tomatoes, salami, and cucumber. Stir well. Chill until ready to serve.2.25 ounces sliced olives, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced, 4 ounces salami, sliced, 1 small cucumber, diced
Notes
- Zucchini, sun dried tomatoes, shredded carrots, green beans, squash, broccoli, cauliflower and/or bell peppers all make great additions to this pasta salad.
- We prefer to cook the pasta al dente then rinse with cold water and let cool. Wait to add the dressing, meat and veggies until the pasta is completely cool for best results.
- Make a day ahead then store in the fridge in an airtight container until ready to serve.
Nutrition
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