I love grilled vegetables and fruits. I especially like how this recipe changes up a traditional pasta salad by using grilled vegetables, homemade dressing and gluten-free pasta for those who need it. Grilling vegetables is a quick and easy way to add more vegetables to your fueling plan, increase fiber and antioxidant intake, while the grilling changes up the flavors. Enjoy this meal as is, or consider adding in additional beans, grilled fish or chicken for a boost of protein.
GLUTEN-FREE GRILLED VEGETABLE PASTA SALAD adapted from www.livingwithout.com
Serves 4 to 6
Grilling vegetables intensifies their flavors…in a good way! They should be cooled before adding to salad.
Vinaigrette Dressing Ingredients
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
Fresh ground pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
6 tablespoons olive oil
Salad Ingredients
1/2 pound gluten-free pasta (recommend: brown rice pasta or quinoa&corn pasta)
3 medium zucchini and/or yellow squash, sliced horizontally to grill
1 large eggplant, unpeeled and sliced
1 red onion, thickly sliced
3 large sweet peppers, grilled whole and then cut into bite-sized pieces
3 large Portobello mushrooms, grilled whole and then sliced
Directions
1. Cook 1/2 pound gluten-free pasta in boiling salted water according to manufacturer’s directions, being careful not to overcook. Test the pasta a few minutes before the recommended cooking time to ensure a good result. After cooking the pasta, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking. Drain well and toss with 1 teaspoon olive oil to keep the pasta from sticking.
2. To make vinaigrette, whisk together all ingredients except the oil. Drizzle oil into vinaigrette mixture while continuing to whisk until dressing begins to emulsify and thicken. Add remaining oil and blend thoroughly. Set aside.
3. Combine remaining salad ingredients and fold them into cooled pasta.
4. Drizzle vinaigrette over pasta. Toss gently until salad is lightly coated with dressing. Serve cold or at room temperature.
“All the beautiful sentiments in the world weigh less than a single lovely action.” James Russell Lowell
Be Well ~Meg @REJOOVwithMeg
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