Easy Prawn Pasta Salad With Honey Mustard Dressing (Gluten-Free)
GLUTEN FREE II DAIRY FREE II SOY FREE II NIGHTSHADE FREE II GUT FRIENDLY
This gluten free prawn pasta recipe is quick, easy, and full of flavour. The dressing adds a sweet, tangy kick that lifts every bite, making it perfect for a light lunch, dinner, picnic pasta salad, or BBQ side. Serve it hot or cold, whichever you prefer, and enjoy a tasty, healthy meal with very little effort.
Notes on ingredients for the best prawn pasta salad
Ingredient lists and recipes may change on the brands I recommend. Always check product labels to ensure they are suitable for your diet. If uncertain, contact the manufacturer directly.
Pasta
For this tasty prawn pasta, I used brown rice pasta, and buckwheat pasta is another favourite. I love gluten free pasta because it doesn't leave you feeling bloated or sleepy afterwards. Supermarkets now have so many choices, too, from pea pasta to edamame and red lentil pasta, and it's brilliant how creative you can get with ingredients.
Please choose your preferred go to gluten-free pasta. If you find that your pasta goes hard once it’s been refrigerated, then keep the pasta separate from the rest of the ingredients and if you are eating it the next day, reheat just the pasta a little or dip it in hot water for 30 seconds, which will soften it a little.
Prawns
I used frozen prawns for this prawn pasta recipe, as Its so convenient to have them stored in the freezer for quick meals. Use fresh prawns if you prefer.
Olive oil
Always opt for cold pressed extra virgin olive oil for dressings (not for cooking, as it has a low smoking point and you will end up in a very smoky kitchen). The cold-pressing method ensures the olives are not heated to above 27°C. This preserves the flavour and antioxidant properties of the olives, and usually means the oil has a more aromatic flavour.
ACV - Apple cider vinegar
Please try to buy the organic apple cider vinegar with the mother. The mother consists of dozens of strains of good bacteria, which we often refer to as probiotics. These help keep your digestive system running smoothly to get the most out of the food you consume. Probiotics are also great for the immune system, the majority of which is located in your digestive tract. My favourite brands:
I've bought ACV at Lidl before for well under half the price, and The Grapetree in the UK is a brilliant place to buy it too. Sometimes buying direct from suppliers can cost twice as much.
feeds 2 - 35 mins prep & cooking time
Ingredients
Why you will love this recipe for prawn pasta salad
It’s super quick to throw together in less than 30 minutes, and you can eat something healthy and satisfying!
It’s gluten-, dairy-, soy-, and nightshade-free, so it’s suitable for many dietary needs.
Serve this for lunch, as a BBQ side, for a light supper or as a meal prep option.
It’s seriously delicious, make extra dressing and keep it in the fridge for a few weeks and drizzle on anything, it’s that yummy.
It's a lively, bright pasta, packed with vibrant veg and a tangy dressing. It's a little different, perfect if you want to switch up your salad routine!
Frequently Asked Questions About Prawn Pasta Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing
Can I use cooked prawns in pasta salad?
Yes, cooked prawns are the easiest choice for this salad. They mix in well, stay tender, and only need to be chilled before serving if they were bought hot or freshly cooked. If you start with raw prawns, cook them just until pink and opaque, then cool them quickly before combining them with the pasta.
What pasta works best for prawn pasta salad?
Short pasta shapes work best because they hold the dressing and are easy to eat. Rotini, fusilli, penne, and farfalle are all solid choices. Smaller shapes also help the honey mustard dressing coat the salad evenly, so you don't end up with dry spots.
Can I make the honey mustard dressing ahead of time?
Yes, and that usually helps the flavour. Honey mustard dressing can be mixed a day or two in advance and kept in the fridge, then whisked again before tossing with the salad. If it thickens after chilling, add a small splash of water, lemon juice, or vinegar to loosen it.
How long does prawn pasta salad keep in the fridge?
Prawn pasta salad is best eaten within 1 to 2 days. Seafood salads don't keep as long as pasta salads without seafood, so it's smart to chill it promptly and keep it cold until serving. Don't leave it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
What can I add to make the salad more filling or more balanced?
You can also add avocado, boiled eggs, or extra greens if you want a more complete meal. It's filling on its own, yet still light, so it won't leave you feeling stuffed.
Feeds 2 - 35 mins cooking & prep
Step by step
Recipe
200 g GF pasta ( of any kind, cooked according to manufacturers in’s instructions)
150 g broccoli florets
200 g prawns
1 clove garlic, chopped
5 stalks of asparagus
100 g frozen petit pois
1 red onion sliced
1/2 carrot sliced thinly (I used a julienne peeler)
20 g red cabbage shredded
1/2 bag mixed leaf ( I used a packet one from the supermarket)
Honey Mustard dressing
100 ml extra virgin olive oil
45 ml apple cider vinegar
25 g whole grain mustard (GF if required)
35 g local or raw honey
salt and pepper to taste
Method
Cook the pasta according to the instructions, add the broccoli in the last 2 minutes of cooking. (We want crisp al dente broccoli, and it shouldn’t ever take more than a few minutes to cook) drain and refresh in cold water.
Stir fry the prawns in a wok on high heat with the garlic till they turn pink, then add the asparagus, red onion and peas and stir fry till soft which should take 3/4 minutes.
Put all the dressing ingredients in a jar with the lid on and shake shake shake! OR whizz it all up in a Nutri bullet and pour into a jar.
Once your prawns and vegetables are cooked ( and you have stopped shaking what your momma gave you!) add the pasta and broccoli mix together.
Add the mixed leaf, carrot and red cabbage right at the end and drizzle over the stunning dressing you so lovingly made. And enjoy the fruits of your labour.
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