Lemon Basil Pasta Salad [gluten-free & dairy-free]

'Tis the season for barbequeing! It's not always easy to prepare cookout food that's free of allergens - most of it is loaded with them! In light of the season, I created this fresh and colorful pasta salad that's a crowd-pleaser and totally free of gluten, corn, dairy, nuts, eggs, and soy. My toddler loved the tri-colored noodles (see below for recommendation)! I used fresh basil, lemon, olive oil and garden veggies to brighten the flavor of this side dish. Enjoy!

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Lemon Basil Pasta Salad [gluten-free & dairy-free]

• 1 package gluten-free tri-color rotini noodles (see below for product recommendation)

• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice, squeezed from a fresh lemon

• 1 large zucchini

• 1 head brocolli

• 15 grape tomatoes

• 1/2 orange bell pepper, finely diced

• 1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced

• 1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped or cut into slivers

• 3/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1. Cook the noodles according to the directions on the package. Be sure to add salt to your water.

2. Once the noodles are finished cooking, rinse them in a colander with cold water and allow them to sit and cool.

3. Once cooled, transfer them to large mixing bowl.

4. Prepare the broccoli by cutting small florets off of your head of brocolli.

5. Prepare the zucchini by dicing it into half-inch pieces.

6. Use a steamer basket and a large pot to steam your brocolli florets and zucchini pieces. Only steam them for about 5-10 minutes, until vegetables are slightly tender but still firm, not overly soft or mushy.

7. Allow broccoli and zucchini to cool by transferring them to your colander and running them under cold water.

8. Add all ingredients to your noodles. Mix until well incorporated.

9. Serve at room temperature or cold. This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Be sure to stir before serving.

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I use Tinkyada brand tri-color brown rice spirals for this recipe. I find these at my local grocery store. If you can't find the tri-color rotini, the plain brown rice rotini is a tasty replacement.