Fresh and Zesty: Gluten-Free Orange Tomato Basil Pasta Salad Recipe
Published Jul 26, 2025
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It is barbecue season, and we all need tasty sides to go with our grilled burgers and chicken. This Gluten-Free Orange Tomato Basil Pasta Salad recipe is your answer, bursting with bright citrusy flavors, juicy tomatoes, and fresh basil. This mayo-free dish is perfect for summer barbecues and cookouts, keeping things light and fresh while being gluten-free, egg-free, nut-free, soy-free, and optionally vegan. Ready in about 20 minutes, it’s a colorful addition to any outdoor spread.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Alright, let’s talk about why this Gluten-Free Orange Tomato Basil Pasta Salad is such a summer star. For starters, the San-J Orange Sauce dressing gives it a tangy, citrusy kick that pairs perfectly with sweet mandarin oranges and juicy tomatoes. Plus, it’s mayo-free, so it holds up beautifully at warm-weather cookouts without needing to stay chilled. Since it’s gluten-free, egg-free, nut-free, soy-free, and can be made vegan, everyone at the barbecue can dig in. That’s why this salad is ideal for picnics, potlucks, or any sunny gathering.
Even better, it’s super quick to whip up and can be made ahead, freeing you up to enjoy the party. You can also tweak the veggies or cheese to suit your vibe. In short, this pasta salad is all about fresh flavors, easy prep, and happy eaters, making it a must-have for your summer table.
What You Will Need
To toss together this Gluten-Free Orange Tomato Basil Pasta Salad, grab these ingredients:
- Gluten-free pasta (12 ounces, rotini, penne, or fusilli): The hearty base for your salad.
- San-J Orange Sauce (3 tablespoons): Adds a zesty, citrusy flavor to the dressing.
- Extra-virgin olive oil (2 tablespoons): Brings richness to the dressing.
- Mandarin orange juice (1 tablespoon, reserved from can): Enhances the citrusy vibe.
- Mandarin orange segments (15-ounce can, drained): Adds sweet, juicy bursts.
- Cherry or grape tomatoes (1 pint, halved): Brings bright, fresh flavor.
- Cucumber (½ cup, chopped): Offers cool, crisp crunch.
- Red onion (¼ cup, thinly sliced): Adds a mild, sharp bite.
- Feta cheese (8 ounces, crumbled, optional or dairy-free): Provides creamy, tangy goodness.
- Fresh basil leaves (½ cup, torn): Infuses vibrant, herby freshness.
- Kosher or fine sea salt and black pepper (to taste): Balances all the flavors.
You’ll also need a large pot for boiling pasta, a colander for draining, and a large mixing bowl for tossing the salad. A small bowl or jar works great for mixing the dressing, and a sharp knife makes veggie prep a breeze. With these basics, you’re all set for a perfect summer side dish.
Tips and Variations
To make your Gluten-Free Orange Tomato Basil Pasta Salad totally shine, try these easy tips. First off, cook the pasta just to al dente to keep it from getting mushy—check the package for exact timing. Also, rinse the pasta under cold water right after draining to stop the cooking and cool it down fast. When tossing, add the dressing gradually to coat evenly without drowning the salad. And don’t add the basil until just before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant.
Want to mix things up? Try some fun variations. For example, swap cucumber for zucchini or bell peppers for extra crunch and color. If you’re going vegan, use dairy-free feta or skip the cheese and add chickpeas for protein. Alternatively, toss in some sliced olives or artichoke hearts for a Mediterranean twist. To boost the citrus, add a sprinkle of lemon zest to the dressing. With these tweaks, you can customize this salad for any barbecue or taste preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Gluten-Free Orange Tomato Basil Pasta Salad recipe gluten-free?
It uses gluten-free pasta and San-J Orange Sauce, which is naturally gluten-free. Always check labels on pasta, sauce, and cheese to ensure they’re certified gluten-free.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You bet! Prep it up to a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Add the basil and give it a quick toss just before serving to keep it fresh.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving, as the dressing may settle.
Why is this salad great for barbecues?
It’s mayo-free, so it stays safe and fresh at room temperature during outdoor cookouts, unlike creamy salads that need constant chilling.
What can I serve with this pasta salad?
Pair it with grilled chicken, burgers, or veggie skewers for a classic summer barbecue spread. It’s also great with a fruit platter or gluten-free cornbread.
For more salad ideas, go HERE
Happy summer feasting!
Orange Tomato Basil Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- Kosher or fine sea salt
- 12 ounces gluten-free pasta, (rotini, penne, or fusilli)
- 3 tablespoons San-J Orange Sauce
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon reserved mandarin orange juice
- 1 (15-ounce) can mandarin orange segments, drained (save 1 tablespoon of juice)
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup chopped cucumber
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- 8 ounces crumbled feta cheese, (optional or dairy-free alternative)
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Cook the gluten-free pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and let cool.
- Prepare the dressing by whisking together San-J Orange Sauce, olive oil, reserved mandarin juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl or jar.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, mandarin orange segments, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Top with feta (if using) and fresh basil. Toss lightly again, taste, and add salt and pepper if desired, before serving.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature, and garnish with a few extra basil leaves for a fresh finish.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
