Summer is My Favorite! 

Why? Well like any true foodie it would be because of the fresh food! Fresh veggies, farmer’s markets and being outside! Yes, some of the best things come out of the Summer! Something exactly like this Italian Summer pasta salad! 

I am definitely a lover all thing edible (okay so there is limits!) but when it comes to summer fresh there really is no limit. This year I was able to put in a garden. Granted it is a little garden but right now it is about to burst full of tomatoes, zucchini, lettuce, peppers and soon be cabbage! I am really all to excited to use all of these fresh ingredients to make some pretty bangin’ salads, pizzas and such! I try to stay as local as possible especially in the Summer and what is more local than your own back yard? 

Although this Italian summer pasta salad has nothing from my garden yet (because nothing is ripe!) most of these veggies have come from around where I am locally. So you know how fresh the pasta salad must be! The Tomato was so ripe I probably could have cut it with a butter knife (YUMMY!) and the mushrooms were all sorts of fresh! No canned products here (well the olives sadly!). 

Gluten Free Italian Summer Pasta Salad 

Italian Dressing Mix: Makes about 8 TBSP or 4 recipes worth
1 1/2 tsp. Roasted Granulated Garlic
1 Tbsp. Onion Powder
2 Tbsp. Ground Oregano 
1 Tbsp. Dried Parsley
1 Tbsp Coconut Palm Sugar
2 Tbsp Real Salt
1 tsp Black Pepper
1 tsp Basil
1/4 tsp Thyme 
1/2 tsp. dried Celery

Pasta Salad:
8 Ounces of Gluten Free Pasta (I chose Penne but you can choose which ever you like) 
1 small can Black Olives 
handful of Pepperoni (big or small)
1/2 cup chopped tomatoes 
4 oz. Small Mushrooms Quartered and sauteed 
1/3 cup Apple Cider Vinegar 
2/3 cup Olive oil 
2 Tbsp Italian Dressing Mix 

Cook your pasta but make sure it stay firm. Rice noodles tend to fall apart easier than regular (if you want to use regular you are more than welcome too!). Let pasta cool. Mix together your salad dressing mix (This is good for 4 Recipes). Mix your 2 Tbsp of Italian Dressing mix with your apple cider vinegar and olive oil. Chop up your pepperoni (The little ones are great too!). When the pasta has cooled pour into mix bowl along with tomatoes, mushrooms, olives and pepperoni. Pour your dressing on top. Coat everything in the dressing. Set in fridge for at least 1 hour to let the salad marinate. Take out and serve! Presto! 

What I wouldn’t give for some more of this Italian summer pasta salad right now! It is so tasty and delectable. I love having this dressing around because it is so simple to make and I always have the ingredients on hand. Things just tend to be fresher that way too. Adding an avocado in here won’t hurt a thing either! Simply dice the avocado, toss in some lime juice (keeps the avocado fresher longer) and stir in! So many fresh ingredients tossed into one dish it is hard to not crave it! 

This Italian summer pasta salad makes a great appetizer or side (or for me a meal!) at any party or get together, and is usually the highlight of the food! People love how fresh it tastes and it is so easy to whip together on a short notice too. FYI: the Italian summer pasta salad also makes great leftovers the next day! Especially when the Italian dressing has had time to soak into the noodles so it is exploding with flavor!

The dressing mix can also be used to make a regular salad dressing. Just take 2 TBSP of the mix and stir together with 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar and 2/3 cups olive oil and pour over salad. It is also a great marinade for chicken and pork chops (in the crock pot it is fantastic!). I promise you it will not go waste! 

What is your favorite summer dish to pass around at party? 

Don’t forget to follow me on social media to stay up to day on posts and recipes! Also, sign up for my email list to receive kitchen tips straight from me to you! You will also get a sneak peek at what is to come! Always fun to see what it that I come up with next! Sometimes I surprise myself too! 

I hope you have a great day! 

Deliciously, 
Gabby