Description
This vibrant and satisfying Spaghetti Salad combines al dente spaghetti with colorful fresh vegetables, smoky turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors ideal for lunch, dinner, or gatherings. The refreshing dressing made from olive oil, apple cider vinegar (natural), garlic, and a natural gelling agent brings all components into harmonious balance for a delicious fuss-free meal suitable for busy days.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 200g spaghetti, cooked al dente
Meat
- 100g smoked turkey bacon, chopped
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup black olives, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Cheese
- 1/2 cup plant-based cheese (creamy), diced or crumbled
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until just al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the noodles for the salad.
- Prepare the smoked turkey bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, crisp the smoked turkey bacon pieces until browned and slightly crunchy. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
- Chop and prepare the vegetables: Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and roughly chop the olives. Tear fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces for maximum aroma.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar (natural), minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir in the natural gelling agent until well combined and slightly thickened.
- Combine all ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the spaghetti with the dressing, vegetables, smoked turkey bacon, and plant-based cheese. Mix gently to avoid breaking the noodles, ensuring every ingredient gets evenly coated.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to marry beautifully. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best experience.
Notes
- Cook pasta al dente to maintain perfect bite and prevent mushiness.
- Cool pasta thoroughly to keep the salad from becoming warm and soggy.
- Use fresh vegetables and herbs to elevate the flavors instantly.
- Toast the turkey bacon well to add extra depth and keep it crisp in the salad.
- Let the salad rest chilled for at least 30 minutes to allow the natural gelling agent and dressing to meld all flavors harmoniously.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No cooking method required except boiling and sautéing
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: spaghetti salad, plant-based cheese, turkey bacon salad, easy pasta salad, healthy lunch, colorful salad