Many moons ago, I made pasta salad for everything! Any time there was a BBQ or some sort of get together/potluck, I brought pasta salad. I admit, I got tired of making it but people would always say, “Can you bring your pasta salad?” So, I did. It’s so easy to make and a crowd pleaser, for sure! This Grain-Free Pasta Salad is nearly as good as my go-to. When my pasta salad loving daughter says it brings back memories, I know I hit the jackpot!
Not Necessarily Paleo
As much as I want to call this a Paleo Pasta Salad, I know that it would be slightly off as the noodles are made from chickpeas. If I’m going to play by the rules, chickpeas aren’t considered a paleo food. However, once someone heals any illness and/or reactions to certain foods, I see no reason to introduce certain foods within reason. I’m not a fan of beans ….I’ve yet to be able to eat any without some discomfort. I will say, this chickpea pasta hasn’t giving me any issues, what-so-ever.
I used Banza Pasta and you can actually get this brand anywhere. I’ve seen it at many grocery stores and even Target. We used it not too long ago for Mac’n’Cheese! It was so good – just used a premade dairy free queso and we were good to go. That is a recipe that I didn’t save but you literally make the pasta according to the package and drizzle the cheese in, after the pasta is drained.
Consider This Paleo!
Another “pasta” go-to is Palmini! Have you tried it? It is made from hearts of palm and can take on any flavor that you pair it with. I made Paleo Lasagna using their lasagna style noodles! We were in heaven. I have had a harder time finding these in most stores but will randomly see them. Sprouts and Whole Foods is usually where I grab Palmini Pasta.
For this Grain-Free Pasta Salad – you can honestly toss in whatever you like best. I know people may not be a fan of broccoli, so omit it. Or perhaps you don’t like onions …don’t use them. I keep the onions in slightly bigger chunks so they are easily ‘pick out-able’. (yes, I just made that “word” up). Speaking of hearts of palm, I used to add that in from time to time as well. There’s been times I’ve had olives on hand ….so they go in too!
Prep Ahead …
I will say, this Grain-Free Pasta Salad is best after all the flavors meld together. Making it the night before is best but if you can’t do that, try and give it a couple of hours to sit in the fridge before serving.
Let me know if you give this easy-peasy recipe a try. I’d love to know if you made any modifications to the recipe. Do tell! It helps others make tweaks too so add in the comments vs. emailing me 🙂 Enjoy!
Grain-Free Pasta Salad
Notes
*Add more or less, depending on your taste buds. I also cut the onions large enough, just in case someone wants to pick them out
Ingredients
- 1 box Banza Rotini Pasta
- 1 – 14 oz can quartered artichokes hearts
- 2 1/2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2+ cup roughly diced red onions*
- 1/2+ cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup Primal Kitchen Italian Vinaigrette
- Pinch of Salt & Pepper
Instructions
- Cool pasta according to directions on the box.
- Bring a small pot of water (just enough to cover bottom of pan) to a simmer and toss the broccoli in. Cover, turn flame to low and let steam for 3 minutes. The broccoli should be al dente and bright green in color!
- Strain broccoli and set to the side to cool. Then strain pasta and run cool water over the pasta to stop the cooking process.
- In a large bowl, toss the cooled pasta, broccoli, tomatoes, onions and drained artichoke hearts with the Italian Vinaigrette. Add a pinch of salt and pepper ….stir to combine.
- Serve right away OR place bowl into fridge for a good 2-3 hours, to let all the flavors meld together!
- Add in diced avocado right before serving, if you wish.
