Ingredients:
- 1 lb gluten-free pasta (such as rotini, penne, or macaroni)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise or vegan alternative
- 1/4 cup sour cream or vegan alternative
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing, gluten-free
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, optional (use a vegan alternative for dairy-free)
Instructions:
- Cook the gluten-free pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Rinse under cold water to cool down and stop the cooking process. Drain well.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Italian dressing, apple cider vinegar, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper according to taste.
- Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing and toss to coat well.
- Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, bell pepper, and fresh basil to the bowl with the pasta. Mix until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and give the salad a good stir to distribute the dressing and cheese throughout.
- Serve the pasta salad chilled as a refreshing side dish.
For more gluten-free creamy Italian pasta salad recipes or inspirations, you might want to visit the links below:
- “Creamy Italian Pasta Salad {Gluten-Free}” – mamaknowsglutenfree.com
- “Creamy Pasta Salad, Gluten Free Option” – blessedbeyondcrazy.com
- “Gluten Free Italian Pasta Salad with Homemade Dressing” – thebetteredblondie.com
- “Gluten-Free Pasta Salad” – onelovelylife.com
These websites offer a variety of similar recipes which could give you further ideas and variations on making delicious gluten-free creamy pasta salads.