Gluten Free Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Salad ♥

  This a perfect flavorful summer pasta salad and it's gluten free! I am using my favorite sponsored product Mezzetta sun ripened dried tomatoes.

Ingredients ♥ 

12 oz. gluten free pasta 

1 Tbsp. olive oil

1 cup light  mayo

Zest of half a lemon

1/4 C lemon juice (1 large lemon)

2 t maple syrup

1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (or 1/2 teaspoon for extra heat)

1 tsp garlic salt

Ground black pepper

3/4 C chopped white onion or thinly sliced scallions (1 bunch scallions)

1/2 C chopped oil-packed sun dried tomatoes Mezzetta brand

3/4 C chopped pitted black olives (about half a can)

1 C halved baby tomatoes or chopped seeded tomatoes

1 can (15 oz.) garbanzo or white beans, drained and rinsed (optional)

About 20 sliced fresh basil leaves

Directions ♥ 

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add a teaspoon or two of salt, then stir in pasta. Cook until just tender, 8 to 9 minutes for most gluten free brands and shapes. Be careful not to undercook. Drain pasta and rinse with cold water for a minute. Transfer cooked pasta to a large mixing bowl and toss with a tablespoon of oil.

While pasta cooks, make the dressing. Whisk mayo, lemon zest and juice, maple syrup, red pepper flakes, garlic salt, and a generous pinch or several grinds of black pepper until well blended. Refrigerate until ready to use.

To the pasta, add scallions, sun dried tomato, olives, fresh tomatoes, beans (if using), almost all the basil, and about 3/4 of the dressing. Stir gently to combine until all ingredients are coated in the dressing. If needed, add remaining dressing (you’ll likely need it if you included beans) and more salt and pepper. Garnish the whole salad or each serving with remaining basil. Chill at least an hour and serve, or refrigerate, well covered, up to 2 or 3 days. Refresh salad with a little more cold mayo and lemon juice, plus seasoning as needed, just before serving