Description

This Summer Pasta Salad is a refreshing and satisfying meal perfect for warm afternoons. It features fresh veggies, smoky turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based cheese, combining vibrant flavors and textures for a colorful, light, and delicious dish that is ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Vegetables

2 cups pasta (fusilli, rotini, or penne)
1 cup fresh cucumbers, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup bell peppers, thinly sliced
1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
2 tablespoons fresh basil, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, roughly chopped

Protein and Cheese

4 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
1/2 cup plant-based cheese, creamy and cubed or crumbled

Dressing

3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
1/4 cup olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced (natural)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon natural gelling agent

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil your chosen pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and keep the pasta firm and cool for the salad.
Prepare the Fresh Veggies: While the pasta cooks, chop cucumbers, halve cherry tomatoes, slice bell peppers thinly, and finely dice the red onion. Roughly chop fresh basil and parsley to add bursts of herbal flavor throughout the salad.
Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: Lightly crisp the smoked turkey bacon in a pan over medium heat until golden and fragrant. Allow it to cool slightly, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar (natural), olive oil, minced garlic (natural), salt, black pepper, and natural gelling agent until emulsified and balanced.
Toss Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, fresh herbs, smoked turkey bacon, and plant-based cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente to maintain a firm texture and prevent mushiness.
Chill the salad before serving to let flavors meld beautifully.
Use fresh herbs for added brightness and depth of flavor.
Adjust the acidity and sweetness by varying the apple cider vinegar and olive oil ratios to your liking.
Dress the salad just before serving to avoid soggy pasta.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: No cooking - stovetop for bacon and pasta
Cuisine: International

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 280
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 450 mg
Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 26 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 10 g
Cholesterol: 15 mg

Keywords: summer pasta salad, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, fresh veggies, gluten free, quick salad