5 Gluten-Free Pasta Salad Recipes to Make This Summer

Pasta salad is a classic summertime staple for outdoor barbecues and beach days. If you’re looking for something lighter than the heavy, mayo-rich, refined pasta versions, there are ways to update them with your health in mind. They’ll taste just as delicious as the standard pasta salad dishes you’re used to. Here are 5 more recipes that are made for summer.

1. Clean Eating Healthy Pasta Salad from Eating Bird Food

This simple and delicious pasta salad uses gluten-free penne and swaps mayo for balsamic vinaigrette. Red pepper flakes add a nice touch of heat to spice up the dish.

Photo Credit: The Hanging Spoon

2. End of Summer Red Lentil Pasta Salad from The Hanging Spoon

Red lentil pasta makes this a gluten-free and nutrient-dense alternative to your standard macaroni pasta salad. Crumbled feta has that bit of saltiness that works well with the black pepper. Go with heirloom tomatoes when they start showing up at the farmers market for that fun pop of color (like purple and yellow).

Photo Credit: The Toasted Pine Nut

3. Strawberry Basil Balsamic Pasta Salad from The Toasted Pine Nut

Brown lentil pasta has more fiber than traditional pasta, as well as protein to fill you up. The strawberries are right in season for summer and there’s a nice balance of savory and sweetness thanks to the balsamic vinegar. Add avocado for extra good fats and creaminess.

Photo Credit: A Beautiful Plate

4. Mediterranean Zucchini Pasta Salad from A Beautiful Plate

Zoodles are a wonderful substitute for pasta if you’re watching your carb intake. Plus, zucchini also has high water content to boost hydration in the summertime. Make it Greek-inspired with olives, tomatoes and chickpeas. The olives add good fats and salty flavor, while the chickpeas have plenty of fiber and protein.

Photo Credit: Cotter Crunch

5. Basil and Mint Yellow Squash Spiralized Salad from Cotter Crunch

We love the idea of using summer squash in place of zoodles. This low-carb substitute has great flavor and antioxidants. The basil and mint make the dish super refreshing, and you can sprinkle with red pepper flakes to bring in a bit of spice. The best part? It’s done in 11 minutes.