Healthy Italian Pasta Salad (vegan, gluten-free, easy)
This healthy Italian pasta salad is vibrant, satisfying, and ready in less than 25 minutes. Summer means pasta salads on repeat and this one is plant-based, easily made gluten-free, and packed with bold Mediterranean flavor.
This big bowl of perfectly cooked pasta is tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes, briny olives, spicy pepperoncini, sun-dried tomatoes, and a tangy homemade Italian herb dressing. It’s the kind of dish that disappears fast at potlucks, keeps beautifully in the fridge for meal prep, and works equally well as a light lunch or a hearty side. Best of all, it’s completely plant-based and takes less than 25 minutes from start to finish.
You can use gluten-free pasta if needed and you can easily swap in your favorite veggie or protein. It’s the perfect summer pasta salad to bring to your next bbq, party, potluck, or picnic. I like to make a big batch for meal prep since it holds up well in the fridge.
If you make this healthy Italian pasta salad, make sure to tag me @nutsaboutgreens on Instagram so I can see your creations! Don’t forget to leave a comment below!
Healthy Italian Pasta Salad (vegan, gluten-free, easy)
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (use GF if needed)
- 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup sliced or halved black olives
- 1/2 cup pepperoncini, sliced
- 1 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded vegan parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
dressing:
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 Tbsp pepperoncini brine or lemon juice
- 3/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp pure maple syrup
- 1 Tbsp nutritional yeast
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package’s instructions. Then drain and rinse.
- In a large bowl, add the cooked pasta and the rest of the ingredients.
- Combine all dressing ingredients in a jar or liquid measuring cup. Whisk to combine well.
- Pour all the dressing over the pasta salad. Toss to combine evenly. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Enjoy! Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
