Peach Pasta Salad (Grain-Free/Dairy-Free)

This peach pasta salad highlights some of summer’s best flavors! Juicy peaches, sweet corn, and fresh basil, tossed with a bright peach vinaigrette that clings to every bite. 

The Story:

I am a big fan of adding fruit where it usually doesn't belong! So, why not add a pop of bright, juicy sweetness to your pasta salad!? This memorable pasta salad is incredibly easy to make, and by using simple seasonal produce and letting it shine, it's a dish that feels special. If you want to add in some extra protein, add grilled chicken to the side for a fully satisfying summer meal.

This dish is part of my “1 Ingredient All Day” series starring peaches. Start the day with a Peach Dutch Pancake for breakfast, prepare a simple peach flatbread pizza for lunch, add in this pasta salad for dinner, and for dessert, take your pick! If you want a treat in under 15 minutes, try this Air fryer peach crisp or if you want something a little more gourmet, try peach cobbler cookies!

Jump to:

• The Story:
• 🧾 The Ingredients:
• Step By Step Instructions:
• More Grain-Free Dinner Ideas:
• 📖 The Recipe:
• Peach Pasta Salad
• The Finished Product:

🧾 The Ingredients:

• Gluten-Free or Grain-Free Pasta: Pasta made without wheat, still comforting, just allergy-friendly! I love Banza pasta, as it is grain-free. It is sturdy, satisfying, and is made with chickpeas so it is packed with protein.
• Fresh Peaches: Sweet, juicy, and just a little tart. Basically summer in fruit form!
• Red Onion: Sharp and punchy, for little bits of savory punch throughout.
• Corn: Naturally sweet with a little pop of texture!
• Basil: Soft and fragrant with a fresh, almost floral flavor.
• Olive Oil: This will be the base for our vinaigrette dressing.
• Champagne Vinegar: This vinegar is light and slightly fruity, not too harsh or sour and it pairs beautifully with the light flavors of the peach and corn.
• Honey: For a touch of sweetness to balances the vinaigrette.
• Dijon Mustard: Tangy and a bit sharp with a smooth texture, this helps the vinaigrette emulsify together for a smooth texture.
• Salt/Pepper: The basics, to bring everything together!

Step By Step Instructions:

• Step 1: Make the vinaigrette. Slice a peach, then using ¼-1/2 of it, muddle the slices and strain the juices into a small bowl. You want about 2 tablespoon worth of juice. Whisk in the additional ingredients for the vinaigrette until smooth, and set aside.
• Step 2: Grill the corn. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high until hot. Add the ears of corn, an let them cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to get some char, then rotate and cook another 3–4 minutes. Repeat this until all sides of the corn are slightly charred. Remove from heat and set aside. Once cool, using a knife, cut the kernels away from the cob.
• Step 3: Prepare the pasta. Cook 8 oz gluten-free or grain-free pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cool water, then set aside to cool completely.
• Step 4: Slice the fresh ingredients. Thinly slice 2 ripe peaches (firm but juicy), ¼ small red onion, and a handful of fresh basil leaves (chiffonade or torn)
• Step 5: Assemble the salad. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, grilled corn, sliced peaches, red onion, and basil.
• Step 6: Dress and toss. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper, if needed. Chill for 10–15 minutes before serving, or enjoy right away.

More Grain-Free Dinner Ideas:

📖 The Recipe:

The Finished Product:

This pasta salad really feels like summer in a bowl! Sweet, fresh, and full of color. It’s easy to throw together but still feels a little special, especially when peaches are at their peak. Perfect on its own or with grilled chicken on the side for a full meal. Enjoy!