Everyone has those nights they don’t know what to make for supper. Especially those days when it’s so hot, you can’t even imagine turning on the oven, or spending more time than necessary in the kitchen. This quick pasta salad takes only as long to prepare as it takes for your pasta to cook, it doesn’t get much quicker than that. Not that long ago, we had just such a day. It was hot, the kids had been playing in the pool all afternoon, then before you know it, it’s suppertime, and besides finding something to throw on the grill (grilled chicken would be great with this, by the way), I wasn’t sure what to feed everyone. So I just started throwing things together, and this pasta salad was the result. We sat down to eat and everyone raved, that is when I realized that I should have measured and written out the recipe so that I could share it with you guys. No one complained when I made it again. In fact, they were helping themselves to seconds (and maybe thirds, I won’t say). I hope that this quick meal is something that will save you from the “What’s for supper?” question one night.
Gluten Free Caprese Pasta Salad
The perfect quick dinner for those hot days, this salad is great served warm or cold.
Ingredients
- 500 grams (1.1 pounds) gluten-free Penne pasta
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup canola oil (or other neutral flavour oil)
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 large tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped basil
- 3/4 cup (140 grams) mozzarella cheese, cubed
Instructions
Cook the pasta according to manufacturer's instructions.
While the pasta is cooking, whisk together the garlic, oil, balsamic vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Pour over the chopped tomato, and stir to coat. Let sit until the pasta is done cooking.
Drain the pasta, and rinse under hot running water. Just rinse for a few seconds, it is best if the pasta is still a little warm when it is tossed with the dressing.
Return the pasta to the pot and add the tomato mixture. Sprinkle with the chopped basil and stir to evenly coat the pasta with the sauce. Stir in the cubed mozzarella cheese.
Serve immediately, or chill and serve cold.
Notes
I used Suzie's Gluten-Free Corn Pasta (GMO Free) that I bought at Costco in Manitoba, Canada.
Love your pasta? Check out these other gluten-free pasta dishes:
Gluten-Free Kickin’ Cajun Chicken Alfredo
Gluten-free Penne with Chicken and Pesto
Gluten-free Pasta with Creamy Tomato Sauce
Gluten-free Cheesy Chicken and Spinach Rolls
Sue says
Made this salad for dinner tonight and it was delicious! Thanks so much, this recipe is a keeper.
Jeanine Friesen says
Thanks so much for the quick feedback, Sue! That’s awesome! 🙂
Kathie Greer says
You mention this salad can be served chilled. My GF pasta always gets so firm/hard when used in a cold pasta salad.. Any suggestions on how I can avoid this?
Jeanine says
Hi Kathie,
I find using a pasta that is a blend of flours, such as quinoa, rice & corn, gives a better cold salad texture. Also, coating the pasta with a little oil helps to keep it from drying out. Pasta can be a difficult one sometimes.