Gluten Free Picnic Tips

The summer sizzle is approaching which means picnics and barbecues, and social gathering involving food can be nerve racking for those of us on a gluten free diet. I know I tend to travel with food in my purse, and eating beforehand just makes the actual event sad and lonely. There are individual packets of gluten free soy sauce and gluten free salad dressing available now which does make things slightly easier, but eating only green salad and fruit isn't exactly completely satisfying. I suggest arriving to any gatherings early and offer to help with the food preparation if possible. If you're comfortable enough with the event organizer ask if they could set aside the main protein and bring your own rub with you. In addition, it's been habit for those of us who are gluten free to always bring one dish with us to share, but if others aren't gluten free the question is what to make without spending too much money. My suggestion is pasta salad.

Dressing:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
3 Tbsp Oli's Sweet 'n Spicy Sauce (you could attempt to substitute this ingredient with some sugar and hot sauce)
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp salt

Salad:
2 cups gluten free pasta (I suggest using the brand bionaturae)
1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/2 cup cucumber, chopped
1/2 cup chopped bell pepper, any color
1/4 cup bacon bits, optional
4 oz cubed cheese, optional

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. Rinse in cold water, and drain.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients until well blended.
4. Add cooked pasta and vegetables; fold gently until mixed.
5. Chill several hours and stir gently before serving.