Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Looking for a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make dish that's perfect for any occasion? Look no further than this gluten-free and dairy-free Mediterranean pasta salad! This dish is bursting with fresh, vibrant flavours that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.

Made with gluten-free fusilli pasta, vegan feta cheese, and a zesty Dijon mustard and honey dressing, this pasta salad is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy a nutritious and flavourful meal without compromising on taste or dietary restrictions. The combination of fresh and colourful ingredients, including chopped red onion, kalamata olives, tomato, orange bell pepper, and cucumber, creates a harmonious medley of flavours that will tantalize your taste buds.

Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue, a potluck party, or just looking for a quick and easy lunch option, this pasta salad is sure to impress. It's perfect for outdoor gatherings, picnics, or a light summer dinner on the patio. And the best part? It's so easy to make and can be prepared in advance, making it a stress-free dish for any occasion.

 

  

INGREDIENT NOTES

  • Gluten-free Fusilli Pasta: When choosing gluten-free pasta, it's important to look for a variety that holds its shape well and doesn't get mushy when cooked. Fusilli pasta, with its spiral shape, works well in this recipe as it can hold onto the dressing and other ingredients.
  • Vegan Feta Cheese: Look for a vegan feta cheese that is made with plant-based ingredients, such as tofu or nuts. These types of cheeses can add a tangy, salty flavour to the pasta salad without compromising the dairy-free and vegan aspects of the dish. I used Violife's vegan feta to accomplish this.
  • Kalamata Olives: Kalamata olives are a key ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine and add a distinct, salty flavour to the dish.
  • Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard adds a tangy, slightly spicy flavour to the dressing, and helps to emulsify the oil and vinegar together. Look for a high-quality Dijon mustard made with simple ingredients.
  • Honey: Honey is used in the dressing to balance out the acidity of the vinegar and mustard. If you're vegan and don't consume honey, you can substitute it with maple syrup or agave nectar.
  • Red Wine Vinegar: Red wine vinegar is a tangy and slightly sweet vinegar that pairs well with Mediterranean flavors. You can substitute it with other types of vinegar, such as apple cider or white wine vinegar, if you prefer.
  • Garlic Powder: Garlic powder adds a subtle garlic flavor to the dressing without overpowering the other ingredients. You can also use fresh garlic, minced finely, if you prefer.
  • Oregano: Oregano is a classic Mediterranean herb that adds a slightly bitter and earthy flavour to the dish. You can use fresh or dried oregano, depending on what you have on hand.

 

MEDITERRANEAN PASTA SALAD

Looking for a healthy and flavourful dish that's perfect for summer gatherings and picnics? This gluten-free and dairy-free Mediterranean pasta salad is bursting with fresh and vibrant flavours, making it the perfect addition to any outdoor meal.

 Prep Time: 20 min     Cook Time: 10-12 min     Chill Time: 30-60 min 

Total Time: 60-92 min

 

INGREDIENTS

  • 2.5 cups gluten-free fusilli pasta
  • 1/2 red onion, chopped
  • 25g fresh parsley, chopped
  • 100g vegan feta, crumbled
  • 20 Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
  • 1/2 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tomato, chopped
  • 1 medium orange bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 regular cucumber, chopped

For the dressing:

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Cook the gluten-free fusilli pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, add the cooked pasta, tomato, orange bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, fresh parsley, vegan feta, chopped Kalamata olives, and half can of chickpeas.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, and dried oregano.
  4. Drizzle the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine all the ingredients.
  5. Chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow the flavours to meld together. 
  6. Before serving, give the pasta salad a good toss and adjust the seasoning to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Enjoy your delicious, gluten-free and dairy-free Mediterranean pasta salad!

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