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 know that you are going to LOVE this pasta salad.
It’s my mom’s old-school recipe – the one I used to request for every summer cookout growing up — 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 it’s 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. 🙂
Overall, this healthy pasta salad is quite a gem. It’s not only easy to prepare, but it requires only minimal ingredients and tastes so fresh and delicious. The recipe makes a ton so it’s 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.
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.
I’m going to have to keep this in mind. I love salad and prefer the grape tomatoes rather than one large slice. I think I”ll make the exception for the cucumbers. It’ll taste good with the vinegar.
I love pasta salad and I was looking for healthy recipes so I thought I would give this recipe a shot. However, I did not like it at all, I think it was the balsamic vinegar that gave such a strong taste that I did not find appealing.
So sorry you didn’t enjoy this recipe, Lynsey. If you try it again, you can definitely use less balsamic vinegar and more olive oil if you’re not a fan of the balsamic taste.
I’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!
How 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 🙂
I 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!
I’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 🙂
I 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.
I 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.
I 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!!!
With 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!
Winning 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 🙂
I 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!
I 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!
I 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!
I love trying new foods and I’ve been curious about the new pastas. I’d probably sneak it into a dish made for my fiancé… Probably Mac and cheese (with pumpkin of course) or a tomato based sauce. Hummm…
I 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!
i 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.
I’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.
I’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.
I’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! 🙂
My 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!
I’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!
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I’m going to have to keep this in mind. I love salad and prefer the grape tomatoes rather than one large slice. I think I”ll make the exception for the cucumbers. It’ll taste good with the vinegar.
I love pasta salad and I was looking for healthy recipes so I thought I would give this recipe a shot. However, I did not like it at all, I think it was the balsamic vinegar that gave such a strong taste that I did not find appealing.
★★
So sorry you didn’t enjoy this recipe, Lynsey. If you try it again, you can definitely use less balsamic vinegar and more olive oil if you’re not a fan of the balsamic taste.
looks delicious, I will definitely try to cook
Could i substitute maple syrup for the coconut sugar in this recipe?
Totally!
I would love to win so I can try these before I buy them. I have been on the hunt for a healthier pasta.
I 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!
I’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!
I’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!
I would make shrimp scampi with pasta for the 4th of July.
I absolutely love pasta salads, so if I won I would try out this recipe along with a few other healthified pasta salads!
I’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!
Pasta 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!
How 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 🙂
I 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!
I’d love to make some pasta and quinoa dishes to bring to summer barbecues!
I’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 🙂
I would love to make this recipe! It looks gorgeous!:)
I’d love to make a mac n cheese with these!
I bet it would be sooo good!
I’d love to make a pasta salad for a summer BBQ!
I’ve never had quinoa pasta but I love quinoa and would love to try this recipe!
I would love to try the black bean pasta to make your pasta salad for the 4th of July weekend!
I 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.
I would like to win, because I love trying new products.
I’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!
I just might make this for 4th of July! Thanks for sharing this lovely recipe!
I’m making it for the 4th of July too! 🙂
The blue tubes are just too cool. I would love to try this recipe with fresh basil from our garden
I’d love to make the ‘blue’ pasta for July4, such a cute idea!
I would like to make healthier Mac & cheese with the noodles.
I’ve never had anything like this before! I’d love to try!
I 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.
Always looking for pasta replacements that are more nourishing. Love the Tolerant brand, I’d love to try Ancient Harvest!
I would love to try these new varities! They sound yummy and good-for-me!
I 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 ♡
Mmmm I’d love to make some mac n cheese with them
I 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!!!
With 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!
These pastas are perfect for pasta salads – esp at mid summer the possibilities are endless!! This pasta looks great!
I’d love to win because I’m always up for trying new food!
I would love to do a mac & cheese with the Black Bean & Quinoa Pasta Elbows!
If I win, I am definitely going to try this pasta salad. It looks delicious!
Winning 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 🙂
I love trying new and healthy types of pasta! I would love to try these!
I 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!
I 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!
I never eat pasta so it would be fun to try a new style!
They all sound delicious! I’m always looking for some healthier alternatives to “regular” pasta. YUM!
I 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!
I love trying new foods and I’ve been curious about the new pastas. I’d probably sneak it into a dish made for my fiancé… Probably Mac and cheese (with pumpkin of course) or a tomato based sauce. Hummm…
All flavors sound great but I would love to give the red lentil & quinoa. I love pasta with bolognese sauce.
That pasta looks so delicious! I love that they’ve incorporated beans into it. I’m thinking I’d make a mushroom alfredo!
I have never seen these noodles before! I love pasta salads and would love to see how these compare to traditional pastas!
I’d love to win and give this pasta to my one year old!
I 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!
I’m always looking for good alternatives to traditional pasta. The black bean and quinoa pasta looks so yummy!
I am all about pasta alternatives and quinoa and black beans are already a staple in my diet. Great finds!
The noodles sound fantastic! I’m always looking for healthier options.
i 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.
I’d love to win so I could make some high protein baked goods.
I’d love to try to the pasta for a vegan mac & cheese recipe!
I’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.
I have celiac disease so I’d love to try this new gf pasta! Thanks
This looks fabulous! I love a good pasta salad! And the fact that this one is health-ified!
I’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.
I live in the desert where it’s hot so I’d love to experiment with some cold pasta salads!
I’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! 🙂
I think I would try to make a squash based mac and cheese with this pasta!
My 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!
I’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!
It would be great to use a pasta that has some flavor of its own. This looks like the perfect summer dish!
This pasta sounds lovely! I’d love to try it!
I love that this is gluten free pasta with some protein!
I 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!
I am always on the lookout for good gluten free pasta! Yum
I’d like to win because I love trying new gluten free pastas that are also high in protein and have a good texture!