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    Home » Recipes

    Easy Italian Pasta Salad [Gluten Free]

    Updated: June 29, 2021 | Published on: May 20, 2020 - Molly Thompson1 Comment

    Gluten Free RecipesGF
    Jump to Recipe

    Zesty and easy Italian pasta salad makes a healthy cookout side dish or even a fresh lunch to look forward to. This recipe is gluten free and can easily be made dairy free too.

    Italian pasta salad in a black bowl with fresh herbs

    Although this recipe is a major CROWD PLEASER at any BBQ, please don't wait to be invited to a cookout before you make this. It's a great summer side or light lunch with simple ingredients.

    Italian Pasta Salad Ingredients:

    • Gluten free Fusili pasta: I love this type of pasta because all of the twists and ridges hold the dressing so well
    • Al Fresco fully cooked Sweet Italian Style Chicken Sausage: it's full of Italian spices and red and green peppers.
    • Black olives
    • Red onion
    • Cherry tomatoes
    • Mozzarella (can omit for dairy free option)
    • Salt and pepper
    all of the ingredients to make cold italian pasta salad

    The chicken sausage in this recipe is unique and one I LOVE to use for easy meals. See all my sheet pan meals for reference. It's clean and fully cooked (aka so easy to use!) and the Italian spices are perfect for this cold pasta salad.

    Another super important component to this recipe: THE DRESSING.

    This dressing is zippy and tangy and fresh and you'll want to to pour it over everything. Promise.

    Italian dressing ingredients:

    • Red wine vinegar
    • Dijon mustard
    • Garlic
    • Fresh parsley
    • Fresh basil
    • Honey
    • Light olive oil
    • Salt and pep
    • italian dressing being poured over pasta salad
    • large black fork and spoon mixing Italian pasta salad in a black bowl

    How to make cold Italian pasta salad:

    Start by cooking the pasta according to the package directions. While it's cooking, make sure all of your ingredients are washed, chopped and ready. Make the dressing by adding all of the ingredients to a bowl and whisk together or place in a lidded jar and shake well (this is how I do it). 

    When the pasta is done, drain and rinse under cold water. Add the pasta to a large bowl and add the rest of the ingredients. Pour the dressing over and toss well to coat.

    italian pasta salad recipe including pasta, peppers, sausage, mozzarella and italian dressing

    If you love this recipe as much as I do, don't forget to follow me on Instagram and tag me with @what_mollymade so I can see it and feature you.

    This recipe is sponsored by Al Fresco. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to brands like them who believe in me and my recipes and allow me to continue to share free recipes with you. #alfrescoambassador #ad

    More salad recipes:

    • Caesar pasta salad
    • Creamy avocado pasta salad
    • Sweet potato salad [vegan | gluten free]
    • Strawberry spinach salad
    • The best shaved brussels sprout salad
    • Summer corn salad
    Italian pasta salad in a black bowl with fresh herbs

    Italian Pasta Salad

    Zesty and easy Italian pasta salad makes a healthy cookout side dish or even a fresh lunch to look forward to. This recipe is gluten free and can easily be made dairy free too.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Lunch, Side Dish
    Cuisine: American, Italian
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 326kcal
    Author: Molly Thompson
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    Ingredients

    For the pasta salad:

    • 16 oz Gluten Free Fusilli
    • 1 11 oz package of Al Fresco Sweet Italian Style Chicken Sausage
    • 3.8 oz jar sliced black olives Black olives
    • 1/2 small red onion diced
    • 3/4 cup quartered cherry tomatoes
    • 1/4 cup Italian parsley chopped
    • 3/4 cup jarred roasted red peppers chopped
    • 1 8 oz package mozzarella cheese balls, drained
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

    For the Italian vinaigrette:

    • 6 tablespoons red wine vinegar
    • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
    • 1 clove garlic minced
    • 2 tablespoons fresh chopped italian parsley
    • 2 tablespoons fresh chopped basil
    • 2 tablespoons raw honey
    • 1/2 cup good quality light olive oil
    • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

    Instructions

    • Cook the pasta according to the package directions. While it’s cooking, make sure all of your ingredients are washed, chopped and ready. Make the dressing by adding all of the ingredients to a bowl and whisk together or place in a lidded jar and shake well.
    • When the pasta is done, drain and rinse under cold water. Add the pasta to a large bowl and add the rest of the ingredients. Pour the dressing over and toss well to coat.

    Notes

    You can swap out the Fusilli pasta for any gluten free pasta you like if you can't find it, such as penne or bowtie.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cup | Calories: 326kcal | Carbohydrates: 40.9g | Protein: 11.1g | Fat: 13.3g | Cholesterol: 12.1mg | Sodium: 532.1mg | Fiber: 2.3g | Sugar: 6.2g
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @What_MollyMade or tag #whatmollymade!

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    molly thompson from what molly made

    I'm Molly! I'm so grateful you're here. My hope is that my recipes bless your home and your bodies. I want my website to be a tool to help you feel your best and nourish you with recipes you (and your family) look forward to making!

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    Recipe Key:

    Dairy FreeDF
    Gluten-FreeGF
    Low CarbLC
    PaleoP
    Refined Sugar FreeSF
    VeganVg
    VegetarianV
    Whole30W

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