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Home » Recipes » Salad Recipes

Easy Mexican Gluten Free Pasta Salad

Published: Jan 30, 2019 · Modified: Jul 10, 2022 by Sandi Gaertner · 6 Comments · This post may contain affiliate links

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Al dente lentil pasta is the star in this simple red lentil pasta recipe. This pasta salad is full of black beans, scallions, roasted green chiles, and Mexican flavors. It makes a delicious healthy lunch or side dish. A dairy-free option also if you prefer a vegan pasta salad!

a bowl full of red lentil pasta salad
Jump To:
  • Ingredient notes:
  • Recipe step by step directions:
  • Tips and Recipe FAQ:
  • More Delicious Gluten Free Pasta Recipes:
  • Recipe
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(*This post is sponsored by Barilla but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.)

Spring is around the corner and I am so excited to share this easy gluten free red lentil pasta recipe with you!

If you haven't tried Barilla's new single-ingredient kinds of pasta, you need to!! I have tried healthy legume pasta in the past, but none have stayed al-dente like this pasta! Barilla's new pasta comes in either red lentil or chickpea. 

This red lentil pasta cooks firm and it has a real pasta flavor that will even fool your kids! If you love salads as much as we do, you will want to check out all of my delicious healthy gluten free salads recipes.

yum spelled out with red lentil pasta pieces

These lentil pasta recipes are not only naturally gluten free, but they are also vegetarian! I love being able to have an easy and healthy vegetarian lunch. This grain-free pasta holds up beautifully to sauces!

You can enjoy this pasta cold as a gluten free pasta salad as I made, or hot with pesto, marinara, or garlic alfredo sauce!

Ingredient notes:

You are going to love how easy this Mexican inspired gluten free pasta salad is to make!! In keeping this recipe healthy, this pasta salad is made with simple delicious ingredients:

  • Barilla Red Lentil Pasta - Note you can use any gluten free pasta you like. I used the penne shape but you can also use the rotini-shaped pasta.
  • Greek yogurt - Full fat, 2%, or 0% fat is fine.
  • Salsa - I love using Trader Joe's Roasted Salsa, but feel free to use your favorite.
  • Roasted green chiles - I used canned mild green chiles, but if you like spice, use spicy!

Recipe step by step directions:

a pot of water on the stove set to boil

Step 1: Bring your water to a boil. I add one teaspoon of salt to help it boil faster. When the water starts to boil, add the Barilla Red Lentil Pasta. Boil per package directions.

If you use a different brand, follow those directions because every brand has a different cooking time.

red lentil pasta in a colander

Cooking Tip for Al-Dente Pasta:

Step 2: Here is my favorite tip to keeping this pasta al-dente...The secret is to do a cold water rinse after draining the pasta in the colander. If you leave hot gluten free pasta in a colander, it will continue to cook. Cold water rinsing halts the cooking process so your pasta doesn't overcook!

black beans, green chiles, and scallions in a bowl

Step 3: Add black beans, roasted green chiles, and scallions to a bowl. Mix well.

Mexican pasta salad sauce ingredients

Step 4: Next, you want to mix the pasta salad seasoning sauce. Add Greek yogurt, salsa, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt/pepper.

Step 5: Mix and then pour onto the pasta salad ingredients. Stir and mix well to coat all of the pasta.

Vegan Mexican Pasta Salad in a bowl

Tips and Recipe FAQ:

Is red lentil pasta healthy?

Red lentil pasta is healthy and delicious! It also has more protein than regular gluten free pasta.

Does red lentil pasta taste different?

I found red lentil pasta to be a bit more firm than regular gluten free rice pasta. The texture is a little different, but it holds sauce as good as any pasta.

How do you keep the pasta from getting stiff in the refrigerator?

I keep this pasta salad in an air-tight container in the refrigerator so it doesn't dry out.

How long will this pasta salad keep fresh?

This pasta salad should keep up to 2 days in the refrigerator.

More Delicious Gluten Free Pasta Recipes:

  • One-Pot Gluten Free Italian Pasta
  • Gluten Free Chicken Tetrazzini
  • Savory Gluten Free Pasta Sauce

Recipe

gluten free pasta salad

Sandi Gaertner
An easy gluten free pasta salad that is full of Mexican flavors. This recipe uses a vegan red lentil pasta that is perfectly al-dente.
5 from 5 votes
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Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Total Time 20 mins
Course Gluten Free Salad Recipes
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 211 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 9 ounces red lentil pasta (1 box)
  • 1 cup black beans
  • 4 ounces roasted green chiles
  • ¼ cup scallions
  • ¼ cup Greek yogurt or dairy-free substitute
  • ¼ cup salsa
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions
 

  • Cook the pasta according to box directions.
  • Dump the pasta into a colander and run under cold water to cool off the pasta. Move the pasta into a large bowl.
  • In a small bowl, add yogurt, salsa, chili powder, salt, and garlic powder. Mix well.
  • Drain and rinse a can of black beans. Add the beans to the pasta.
  • Add the green chiles and pasta salad seasonings to the pasta and beans. Mix well. 
  • Serve chilled.

Notes

Every brand of pasta has different cooking instructions so please be sure to follow the directions on the package you have there.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 211kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 15gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 266mgFiber: 9gSugar: 3g
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Nutrition Disclaimer

Nutritional information is an estimate provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the actual nutritional information with the products and brands you are using with your preferred nutritional calculator.

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Aimee Shugarman

    February 08, 2019 at 5:21 am

    5 stars
    Made this for dinner last night, so flavorful!

    Reply
    • Sandi Gaertner

      February 08, 2019 at 7:57 am

      That is wonderful Aimee...thank you for letting me know 🙂

      Reply
  2. Dini

    February 07, 2019 at 9:00 pm

    5 stars
    Red lentil and chickpea pasta sounds intriguing! And the recipe sounds so delicious too! Thank you so much for sharing, this will be a great way to change up our pasta game for dinner! 🙂

    Reply
    • Sandi Gaertner

      February 08, 2019 at 7:52 am

      You would love it Dini, it stays firm...which is amazing.

      Reply
  3. Val

    January 31, 2019 at 9:50 am

    I will have to try this pasta. I usually eat Ronzoni gluten free which enjoy. The recipe sounds delicious!

    Reply
    • Sandi Gaertner

      January 31, 2019 at 6:01 pm

      Thank you so much Val.

      Reply

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