Gluten Free Za’atar Ravioli Pasta Salad
Updated: 2 days ago
This Gluten Free Za’atar Ravioli Pasta Salad combines tender filled pasta, chickpeas, crunchy vegetables, Kalamata olives and fresh herbs, tossed in a fragrant lemon and za’atar dressing. A delicious Mediterranean-inspired salad that's satisfying enough for lunch or dinner and perfect for entertaining.
About Gluten Free Za’atar Ravioli Pasta Salad
Ravioli is usually something we associate with a warm bowl of pasta and a delicious sauce, but it's equally lovely served as part of a fresh, colourful salad. This Za’atar Ravioli Pasta Salad brings together the comforting texture of filled pasta with the crisp vegetables, olives and fragrant herbs we love in Mediterranean cooking.
What makes this recipe particularly interesting is the za’atar dressing. Za’atar is a traditional Middle Eastern herb and spice blend, commonly made with thyme, oregano or marjoram, sumac, toasted sesame seeds and salt. Some variations also contain cumin or coriander, depending on the region and the blend. It has a wonderfully earthy, slightly tangy flavour, with a lovely nuttiness from the sesame seeds.
Combined with extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice and garlic, the za’atar creates a light, aromatic dressing that coats the ravioli beautifully. Chickpeas add substance, while cucumber, capsicum, tomatoes, Kalamata olives, fresh parsley and dill bring colour, freshness and a delicious variety of textures.
It's a wonderful alternative to a traditional pasta salad, especially when you're looking for something substantial enough to enjoy as a meal. You can serve it for lunch, prepare the ingredients ahead for busy days or include it in a generous Mediterranean-inspired spread when entertaining.
Watch How to Make Gluten Free Za’atar Ravioli Pasta Salad
Helpful Tips
Choose gluten-free filled pasta.
Use your favourite gluten-free ravioli or tortellini, with a filling you enjoy. Cheese, spinach and ricotta, beef, chicken, pumpkin or mushroom are all delicious possibilities.
Try different pasta shapes.
If gluten-free ravioli isn't available, use gluten-free agnolotti, large pasta shells or rigatoni. The result will be different, but you'll still have a delicious pasta salad.
What is za’atar?
Za’atar is a Middle Eastern herb and spice blend with earthy, nutty and tangy flavours. Its ingredients vary between brands, so choose a blend you enjoy and check that it's gluten-free.
Experiment with vegetables.
Try rocket with roasted pumpkin, parsley with tomatoes and onions, or roasted eggplant, capsicum and zucchini for a different combination of flavours.
Add a little cheese.
Crumbled feta or goat's cheese is a delicious addition, bringing a lovely salty, creamy contrast to the lemon and herb dressing.
Make it vegetarian, vegan or dairy-free.
For a vegetarian option, use suitable spinach and ricotta or vegetable-filled ravioli. For a vegan or dairy-free version, choose gluten-free, dairy-free ravioli or tortellini with a plant-based filling and omit any cheese additions.
Perfect for meal prep.
Divide the prepared pasta and vegetables into individual airtight containers or glass jars and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Store the za’atar dressing separately and add it before serving to keep the salad fresh and the vegetables crisp.
Enjoy as a meal or side dish.
This salad is satisfying enough for lunch or dinner, but also makes a lovely accompaniment to grilled chicken, lamb, fish or Mediterranean vegetables.
More Gluten Free Pasta Recipes to Try
If you enjoy flavourful pasta dishes, here are more delicious gluten-free recipes to explore.
Gluten Free Za’atar Ravioli Pasta Salad
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Recipe Category: Salad / Main Course
Recipe Cuisine: Middle Eastern-inspired
INGREDIENTS
Ravioli Salad
500–600 g gluten-free ravioli or tortellini of choice
1 can (400 g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
200 g cherry tomatoes, halved
2 Lebanese cucumbers, diced
1 yellow or red capsicum, diced
1 red onion, diced
¾ cup (120 g) Kalamata olives, sliced
½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
½ cup fresh dill, chopped
Optional: Crumbled feta or goat's cheese
Za’atar Dressing
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, finely grated
1 tablespoon za’atar spice blend
½ teaspoon onion powder
Generous sprinkle of sea salt and pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Cook the Ravioli
Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil.
Add the gluten-free ravioli or tortellini and cook according to the packet instructions.
Drain and set aside. Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil and gently stir to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
2. Prepare the Salad
Wash and prepare the chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, capsicum, red onion, Kalamata olives, parsley and dill.
3. Prepare the Za’atar Dressing
In a bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, grated garlic, za’atar, onion powder, sea salt and pepper until well combined.
4. Assemble the Salad
Add the cooked ravioli and prepared salad ingredients to a large serving bowl.
Pour the za’atar dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Serve and enjoy!
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Recipe and Photography by Margaret Pahos for @CreateCookShare
So easy. Loved this one.