Gluten Free Caprese Pasta Salad

Servings: 6 Total Time: 20 mins Difficulty: Beginner
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Indulge in the flavors of Italy with this refreshing and vibrant Gluten-Free Caprese Pasta Salad. Bursting with the classic combination of ripe cherry tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, fragrant basil, and aromatic Italian seasoning, this dish brings the beloved Caprese salad to new heights. What sets this recipe apart is the use of Barilla Gluten Free Rotini, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this delicious pasta salad, regardless of dietary restrictions.

Each bite is a symphony of flavors and textures, with the tender rotini pasta providing the perfect canvas for the juicy tomatoes, velvety mozzarella, aromatic basil, and savory Italian seasoning. The dressing, a simple yet flavorful blend of extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar, adds a tangy and savory note that ties everything together beautifully. For an extra layer of indulgence, toasted pine nuts can be sprinkled on top, adding a delightful crunch and nuttiness to the salad.

Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a light meal on its own, this Gluten-Free Caprese Pasta Salad is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether served as a side dish or the main attraction, it’s a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients that will transport your taste buds straight to the sunny shores of Italy. Enjoy the flavors of summer with every bite of this irresistible pasta salad!

Gluten Free Caprese Pasta Salad

Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a light meal on its own, this Gluten-Free Caprese Pasta Salad is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether served as a side dish or the main attraction, it's a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients that will transport your taste buds straight to the sunny shores of Italy.

Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 10 mins Total Time 20 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 6 Calories: 205 Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Cook the Barilla Gluten Free Rotini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rotini, halved cherry tomatoes, halved fresh mozzarella balls, thinly sliced basil leaves, and Italian seasoning.

  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar to make the dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  4. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.

  5. If using, sprinkle the toasted pine nuts over the salad for added crunch and flavor.

  6. Chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

  7. Before serving, give the pasta salad a final toss and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Garnish with additional basil leaves, if desired.

  8. Serve the Gluten-Free Caprese Pasta Salad as a side dish or light meal, and enjoy!

Note

  1. Gluten-Free Rotini Options: While this recipe calls for Barilla Gluten Free Rotini, feel free to use any brand of gluten-free pasta that you prefer. Just be sure to cook it according to the package instructions for the best results.

  2. Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes, high-quality fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), and fragrant basil leaves. These fresh ingredients will elevate the taste of the salad.

  3. Italian Seasoning: Italian seasoning is a convenient blend of dried herbs such as oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. If you don't have Italian seasoning on hand, you can use a combination of these dried herbs to achieve a similar flavor profile.

  4. Optional Additions: Feel free to customize this salad to suit your taste preferences. You can add other ingredients such as sliced black olives, diced red onions, or roasted bell peppers for extra flavor and color.

  5. Make-Ahead Tip: This pasta salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving, as the dressing may settle at the bottom of the bowl.

  6. Toasting Pine Nuts: Toasting pine nuts adds a delicious nutty flavor and crunchy texture to the salad. To toast pine nuts, simply heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and fragrant. Be sure to watch them closely, as they can burn quickly.

  7. Dietary Considerations: This recipe is gluten-free, but if you have any other dietary restrictions or allergies, be sure to check the labels of all ingredients to ensure they meet your dietary needs.

Keywords: pasta salad, gluten free pasta salad, caprese salad

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Can I use other types of gluten-free pasta besides rotini?

Yes, you can use other shapes of gluten-free pasta such as penne, fusilli, macaroni, bowties, or shells. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the specific type of pasta you choose.

Can I use regular (non-gluten-free) pasta in this recipe?

While you can use regular pasta in this recipe, it will no longer be gluten-free. If you're not following a gluten-free diet, you can certainly use regular pasta instead of gluten-free pasta. If you are making this for a picnic, cookout, get together, I highly recommend making it with gluten free pasta. The party goers will not notice a difference and those that are on a gluten free diet will be grateful for a gluten free side option at the party!

What can I substitute for Italian seasoning if I don't have it on hand?

If you don't have Italian seasoning, you can use a combination of dried herbs such as oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary to achieve a similar flavor profile.

Can I add protein to this salad, such as grilled chicken or shrimp?

Yes, you can add protein to this salad to make it more filling. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu would be delicious additions.

How long will the leftovers last in the refrigerator?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and flavors.

Can I make this salad dairy-free by using a non-dairy cheese alternative?

Yes, you can make this salad dairy-free by using a non-dairy cheese alternative such as vegan mozzarella or omitting the cheese altogether.

Can I omit the pine nuts or substitute them with another ingredient?

Yes, you can omit the pine nuts if you prefer or substitute them with another type of nut such as chopped almonds or walnuts, or omit them altogether for a nut-free version.

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