Clean eating pasta salad made with cucumbers, tomatoes and a basil balsamic dressing. This delicious pasta salad is gluten-free, vegan and perfect for serving a crowd!
I’m so excited to share this recipe with you because I knowĀ that you are going to LOVEĀ this pasta salad.
Itās my momās old-school recipe ā the one I used to request for every summer cookout growing up ā only healthier and bit more spiced up.
Gluten Free Pasta Noodles
I stuck with pasta noodles instead of veggies noodles because I already have a zucchini noodle pasta salad. I recommend using legume or quinoa-based pasta noodles so they’ll be naturally gluten-free and have a good amount of protein and fiber. Nutrient-dense pasta = so awesome!
Swapping Mayo for a Balsamic Dressing
My mom’s traditional recipe calls for Miracle Whip… which isn’t exactly EBF friendly so I skipped it and used an olive oil-based balsamic dressing with fresh basil. Other than that the salad ingredients are all the same.
And Mom will be happy to know that I left the 1/2 teaspoon of sugar in the recipe. Maybe itās just nostalgia, but I think it really does add a little something to the salad. I went with coconut sugar to keep things more natural and unrefined. š
Overall, this healthy pasta salad is quite a gem. Itās not only easy to prepare, but it requires only minimal ingredients and tastes so fresh and delicious. The recipe makes a ton so itās also great for serving a crowd!
Ingredients in Healthy Pasta Salad
- gluten-free pasta noodles
- tomatoes
- cucumbers
- red onion
- balsamic vinegar
- basil
- olive oil
- coconut sugar
- crushed red pepper
- sea salt
If you try this healthy pasta salad recipe, please be sure to leave a comment and star rating below. Your feedback is so helpful for the EBF team and other EBF readers.Ā
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PinDescription
Clean eating pasta salad made with cucumbers, tomatoes and a basil balsamic dressing. This delicious pasta salad is gluten-free, vegan and perfect for serving a crowd!
Ingredients
- 8 oz macaroni or penne pasta (I used gluten-free penne)
- 2 cups tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups cucumbers, peeled and chopped
- 3/4 cup red onion, chopped
- 3 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons basil, minced
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon coconut sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and run cold water over cooked pasta to cool. Add drained pasta into a large bowl with tomatoes, cucumber, and onion.
- Whisk together balsamic vinegar, basil, olive oil, coconut sugar, crushed red pepper and salt. Pour over salad ingredients and mix well. Refrigerate until cold. Serve.
Notes
Inspired by my mom’s macaroni salad and adapted from Cooking Light’s Macaroni Salad with Summer Tomatoes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3/4 cup
- Calories: 148
- Sugar: 4g
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
Keywords: healthy pasta salad
If you like this Healthy Pasta Salad you may also like:
- Healthy Potato Salad
- Caprese Pasta Salad
- Low-Carb Cauliflower Potato Salad
- Vegan Pesto Pasta Salad
- Brussels Sprouts Chopped Salad
- Roasted Sweet Potato Salad
Heather says
June 27, 2015 at 5:09 pmI’d like to win because I love trying new gluten free pastas that are also high in protein and have a good texture!
Alex says
June 27, 2015 at 5:28 pmI am always on the lookout for good gluten free pasta! Yum
Christina P says
June 27, 2015 at 6:03 pmI would like to try this pasta as I’ve given up pastas and sometimes a girl just needs some pasta! Thanks for this yummy recipe!
Kate says
June 27, 2015 at 6:10 pmI love that this is gluten free pasta with some protein!
Strength and Sunshine says
June 27, 2015 at 6:11 pmThis pasta sounds lovely! I’d love to try it!
amanda says
June 27, 2015 at 6:17 pmIt would be great to use a pasta that has some flavor of its own. This looks like the perfect summer dish!
Gia says
June 27, 2015 at 6:19 pmI’m just graduating school and starting my first job (in this career field), so to be able to cook quick, easy and healthy pasta would be so appreciated!
Janet L says
June 27, 2015 at 6:41 pmMy husband is in the midst of heavy military training right now (outside, all day long). We both already love plain quinoa and quinoa pasta. With the extra training and extreme heat I think the extra protein this product offers would give him a much needed boost at lunch. I think your recipe will replace my old “miracle whip” recipe during the 4th this year!
cori says
June 27, 2015 at 6:57 pmI think I would try to make a squash based mac and cheese with this pasta!
Brittany says
June 27, 2015 at 7:04 pmI’d love to win and try out these products! We are big, big, big quinoa fans, but haven’t had much luck with quinoa pasta. It tends to be mushy or hard. If these products have your seal of approval, I trust they’re great! š
Nicole says
June 27, 2015 at 7:12 pmI live in the desert where it’s hot so I’d love to experiment with some cold pasta salads!
foodiecology says
June 27, 2015 at 7:24 pmI’d love to try out their products because I’m sick of the same old standard or whole wheat varieties I normally eat. This looks so tasty. I love simple pasta salads.
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says
June 27, 2015 at 7:43 pmThis looks fabulous! I love a good pasta salad! And the fact that this one is health-ified!
Alexandra says
June 27, 2015 at 8:20 pmI have celiac disease so I’d love to try this new gf pasta! Thanks
melissamorningm says
June 27, 2015 at 8:22 pmI’d love to win! I’ve seen this pasta in stores before, but never tried it and would love to. I think it is a great and healthy alternative to traditional pasta.
Mindy says
June 27, 2015 at 8:29 pmI’d love to try to the pasta for a vegan mac & cheese recipe!
Emily says
June 27, 2015 at 9:11 pmI’d love to win so I could make some high protein baked goods.
kelli says
June 27, 2015 at 9:34 pmi would love to find another alternative for pasta. i’m running out of ideas and the flavor is getting more and more bland. this sounds like a great quality product.
Karla G says
June 27, 2015 at 10:52 pmThe noodles sound fantastic! I’m always looking for healthier options.
Leah H. says
June 27, 2015 at 10:58 pmI am all about pasta alternatives and quinoa and black beans are already a staple in my diet. Great finds!
Leah S. says
June 28, 2015 at 1:58 amI’m always looking for good alternatives to traditional pasta. The black bean and quinoa pasta looks so yummy!
Sarah says
June 28, 2015 at 3:58 amI would love to win this! My son loves anything pasta and I’m newly recommitted to the clean eating wagon. This looks like a great way to satisfy us both!
Amy says
June 28, 2015 at 6:18 amI’d love to win and give this pasta to my one year old!
Shannon says
June 28, 2015 at 8:07 amI have never seen these noodles before! I love pasta salads and would love to see how these compare to traditional pastas!
Kelsey Raymond says
June 28, 2015 at 8:15 amThat pasta looks so delicious! I love that they’ve incorporated beans into it. I’m thinking I’d make a mushroom alfredo!
Colleen Connelly says
June 28, 2015 at 8:35 amAll flavors sound great but I would love to give the red lentil & quinoa. I love pasta with bolognese sauce.
Georgianna Mann says
June 28, 2015 at 8:41 amI love trying new foods and I’ve been curious about the new pastas. I’d probably sneak it into a dish made for my fiancĆ©… Probably Mac and cheese (with pumpkin of course) or a tomato based sauce. Hummm…
Catherine says
June 28, 2015 at 9:33 amI love a good pasta salad! I just tried one of Ancient Harvest’s pastas, and I loved it! I have been wanting to try other varieties. Plus, I have wanted to try a bean pasta noodle too! I would probably use this pasta in a pasta salad or a yummy summer pasta dish with fresh cherry tomatoes and basil!
Kendra says
June 28, 2015 at 9:51 amThey all sound delicious! I’m always looking for some healthier alternatives to “regular” pasta. YUM!
Jessica says
June 28, 2015 at 10:21 amI never eat pasta so it would be fun to try a new style!
Matt says
June 28, 2015 at 12:17 pmI am always look
ing for ways to eat pasta that are actually healthy. Plus, cold pasta is so great in summer. Would love to win this and try some new recipes!
Cari says
June 28, 2015 at 12:37 pmI can’t imagine a healthier pasta! I’ve just discovered baking with quinoa flour, and I’m amazed at all it can do. I’ve been tentative in trying gluten free pastas, but I’ll take your word they’ll be great!
Running for Berries says
June 28, 2015 at 12:44 pmI love trying new and healthy types of pasta! I would love to try these!
Aenia says
June 28, 2015 at 1:39 pmWinning this would be great, as I am severely gluten-intolerant, and all of the GF pastas that I have tried so far have not struck me as delicious. I am a huge quinoa fan though š
Jennifer Flood says
June 28, 2015 at 1:55 pmIf I win, I am definitely going to try this pasta salad. It looks delicious!
Kim Henrichs says
June 28, 2015 at 2:48 pmI would love to do a mac & cheese with the Black Bean & Quinoa Pasta Elbows!
jeanne says
June 28, 2015 at 3:25 pmI’d love to win because I’m always up for trying new food!
Rosie says
June 28, 2015 at 3:25 pmThese pastas are perfect for pasta salads – esp at mid summer the possibilities are endless!! This pasta looks great!
Kristy says
June 28, 2015 at 3:37 pmWith my IBS, I’ve noticed that gluten-free eating has really helped alleviate my symptoms, so I would love the opportunity to try these takes on my favorite items!
Erin W says
June 28, 2015 at 3:57 pmI love quinoa, now my husband loves quinoa, my kids are starting to try quinoa, and my picky eater daughter loves pasta, so this seems like the perfect giveaway for us!!!
Keeley says
June 28, 2015 at 4:21 pmMmmm I’d love to make some mac n cheese with them
Michelle blair says
June 28, 2015 at 4:38 pmI am always looking for something new and I love pasta. And Quinoa and all th rest of the yummy stuff. Clean eating has changed my life ā”
Amy C. says
June 28, 2015 at 4:48 pmI would love to try these new varities! They sound yummy and good-for-me!
Valerie B says
June 28, 2015 at 5:27 pmAlways looking for pasta replacements that are more nourishing. Love the Tolerant brand, I’d love to try Ancient Harvest!
Deb Nielsen says
June 28, 2015 at 9:36 pmI would love to try these delicious-sounding gluten-free pasta products! As a supervisor in the Nutrition Services Department of a hospital, we are always looking for new gluten-free products to try, not only for our patients, but also for customers in the Retail areas of this large urban hospital.
sarah says
June 28, 2015 at 10:18 pmI’ve never had anything like this before! I’d love to try!
Kari F says
June 28, 2015 at 10:55 pmI would like to make healthier Mac & cheese with the noodles.
Kate says
June 28, 2015 at 10:55 pmI’d love to make the ‘blue’ pasta for July4, such a cute idea!
Susan M says
June 29, 2015 at 4:09 amThe blue tubes are just too cool. I would love to try this recipe with fresh basil from our garden
athleticavocado says
June 29, 2015 at 8:35 amI just might make this for 4th of July! Thanks for sharing this lovely recipe!
Brittany Mullins says
June 29, 2015 at 10:32 amI’m making it for the 4th of July too! š
Marie Masters says
June 29, 2015 at 9:36 amI’ve tried quinoa past and black bean pasta and love them both – I can’t even imagine how good combining them into one pasta would be!
ColleenMarie says
June 29, 2015 at 10:33 amI would like to win, because I love trying new products.
Julie says
June 29, 2015 at 10:34 amI would love to try the bean and quinoa pasta! I love pasta but try to vary the pastas I use, and this one looks like a great addition to the rotation.
Sally says
June 29, 2015 at 11:01 amI would love to try the black bean pasta to make your pasta salad for the 4th of July weekend!
Amy says
June 29, 2015 at 11:20 amI’ve never had quinoa pasta but I love quinoa and would love to try this recipe!
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie says
June 29, 2015 at 12:07 pmI’d love to make a pasta salad for a summer BBQ!
Lynn @ The Actor's Diet says
June 29, 2015 at 1:52 pmI’d love to make a mac n cheese with these!
Brittany Mullins says
June 29, 2015 at 3:13 pmI bet it would be sooo good!
Brittany Koelmel says
June 29, 2015 at 1:53 pmI would love to make this recipe! It looks gorgeous!:)
Ashley says
June 29, 2015 at 3:36 pmI’d like to win for two reasons. One, I have recently changed my diet to help battle some of my health issues and am in need of more recipes. Two, I am hosting a girl’s night soon and I think this would be a colorful addition to our potluck. I am always excited to whip up something new for my friends & family š
Aimee says
June 29, 2015 at 3:54 pmI’d love to make some pasta and quinoa dishes to bring to summer barbecues!
ktbuchs87 says
June 29, 2015 at 4:13 pmI love pasta and being gluten free means I have to be careful with the products I choose. I am always on the hunt for pasta that has good taste and texture, but is also packed with nutrients. I would probably make a pesto pasta salad with this! Can’t wait to try it!
gabsodon says
June 29, 2015 at 4:45 pmHow cool! I haven’t seen these in stores yet. I’ve tried red lentil pasta and liked it. I actually don’t eat much pasta because I’ve never liked the texture much (though I could eat a bowl of tomato sauce!) I’d love to try these to make all those nostalgic dishes like mac and cheese to serve at my dinner parties š
Amanda F says
June 29, 2015 at 5:08 pmPasta salad for the win! I actually have a giant basil plant in my garden so I would love to try it with some fresh pesto and veggies!
Christina says
June 30, 2015 at 12:14 amI’m so excited the company has come out with a product that doesn’t use refined corn! This recipe looks delicious, and I would also like to try this with pesto. Perhaps with nice seasonal garlic scapes!
Amy M. says
June 30, 2015 at 10:02 amI absolutely love pasta salads, so if I won I would try out this recipe along with a few other healthified pasta salads!
DJ says
June 30, 2015 at 3:04 pmI would make shrimp scampi with pasta for the 4th of July.
Madeline Ko says
June 30, 2015 at 5:24 pmI’d make lots of tomato pasta for my daughter. She loves pasta and I want to get a different variety of grains into her diet!
Carolsue says
July 1, 2015 at 3:29 amI’d like to win because I’ve just recently discovered Quinoa and am anxious to try as many products using it as possible. This sounds great!
Kelly D says
July 3, 2015 at 1:06 pmI would like to win because I always to to incorporate ancient grains into the meals I make for my family. Maybe I would make a pasta salad. Thanks!
Allyson Collins says
July 5, 2015 at 3:12 pmI would love to win so I can try these before I buy them. I have been on the hunt for a healthier pasta.
Meredith says
June 1, 2019 at 8:01 amCould i substitute maple syrup for the coconut sugar in this recipe?
Brittany Mullins says
June 2, 2019 at 11:17 pmTotally!