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Gluten Free Dairy Free BLT Pasta Salad Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 141 reviews
  • Author: Lana
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Gluten Free Dairy Free BLT Pasta Salad is a vibrant, fresh, and satisfying dish perfect for a light lunch or picnic. Featuring gluten-free pasta, crispy bacon, fresh cherry tomatoes, arugula, and creamy avocado, all tossed in a zesty lemon and olive oil dressing with an optional dairy-free ranch or mayonnaise for extra creaminess. It’s a flavorful, healthy, and allergy-friendly twist on the classic BLT salad.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad

  • 12 oz gluten-free pasta (penne or fusilli)
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 cups fresh arugula or baby spinach
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • Fresh chives for garnish

Bacon

  • 8 slices gluten-free bacon

Dressing

  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 cup dairy-free ranch dressing or mayonnaise

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta: Cook the gluten-free pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and set aside.
  2. Prepare bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the gluten-free bacon slices until crispy. Remove from the skillet and place on paper towels to drain the excess fat. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Combine vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, add the halved cherry tomatoes, fresh arugula or baby spinach, diced avocado, and finely chopped red onion.
  4. Add pasta: Add the cooked and cooled pasta to the bowl containing the vegetables and toss gently.
  5. Make dressing & toss: Drizzle the pasta salad with olive oil and fresh lemon juice. Toss gently to combine. If desired, add a dollop of dairy-free ranch dressing or mayonnaise for a creamier texture. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  6. Add bacon: Gently mix in the crumbled crispy bacon pieces to the salad, ensuring an even distribution.
  7. Garnish and serve: Transfer the pasta salad to a serving dish and garnish with fresh chopped chives for added flavor and color.
  8. Chill (optional): Serve immediately or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

  • Use gluten-free pasta to keep the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
  • Choose dairy-free ranch dressing or mayonnaise to maintain the dairy-free aspect.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and add roasted chickpeas or smoked tempeh.
  • The salad is best eaten within 24 hours for optimal freshness.
  • Feel free to swap arugula for baby spinach or mixed greens to suit your taste.
  • Rinsing pasta under cold water stops cooking and prevents sticking in the salad.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: gluten free pasta salad, dairy free pasta salad, BLT pasta salad, healthy pasta salad, avocado pasta salad, gluten-free lunch, dairy-free lunch, easy pasta salad

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Find it online: https://mealsbylana.com/gluten-free-dairy-free-blt-pasta-salad-recipe/