Description
This Ditalini Pasta Salad is a simple, refreshing, and versatile dish combining fresh vegetables, savory smoked turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based cheese. It offers a delightful mix of textures and vibrant flavors, making it perfect for lunch, picnics, or a quick dinner. Ready in under 30 minutes, it is easy to prepare and enjoyable as a balanced and nutritious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 cup Ditalini pasta
Vegetables & Protein
- 1 cup fresh cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 1/2 cup shredded plant-based cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (natural)
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil ditalini pasta in salted water until just al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Veggies and Bacon: Dice cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red bell pepper into bite-sized pieces. Cook the smoked turkey bacon in a skillet until crispy, then chop into small pieces.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar (natural), olive oil (natural), garlic powder (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Combine Everything: In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta, fresh vegetables, smoked turkey bacon, and shredded plant-based cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until evenly coated. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled for a refreshing and flavorful dish.
Notes
- Do not overcook the pasta; keep it al dente to maintain salad texture.
- Chill thoroughly to blend flavors well before serving.
- Toss the salad gently using a folding motion to keep pasta and veggies intact.
- Adjust the dressing’s acidity or sweetness by balancing apple cider vinegar and olive oil according to preference.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley just before serving for enhanced freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Ditalini pasta salad, plant-based cheese salad, smoked turkey bacon salad, easy pasta salad, summer salad, healthy lunch
