Description
This BLT Pasta Salad with Chickpea Pasta is a refreshing, protein-packed summer meal featuring smoky turkey bacon, crisp fresh vegetables, and a zesty natural dressing. Perfect for light lunches or casual dinners, it offers bright flavors, wholesome ingredients, and easy preparation for a nutritious and delicious bowl of goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 8 oz chickpea pasta
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/3 cup natural plant-based mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tbsp honey (natural)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Chickpea Pasta: Boil the chickpea pasta in generously salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the noodles. Set aside to drain completely to ensure a perfect bite and prevent sogginess in the salad.
- Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon: While the pasta cooks, crisp up the smoked turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until golden brown and crisp, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil. Chop into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing and crunch.
- Chop Fresh Vegetables: Dice the romaine lettuce, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion. Keeping the veggies fresh and well-sized ensures a harmonious blend of refreshing textures and flavors.
- Make the Zesty Natural Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the plant-based mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste for a balanced tangy, smoky, and slightly sweet dressing.
- Combine and Toss: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled chickpea pasta, chopped smoked turkey bacon, and fresh vegetables. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every ingredient evenly with zesty flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to meld flavors; this salad shines with vibrant color and fresh taste either way.
Notes
- Avoid overcooking chickpea pasta to maintain a firm bite.
- Drain pasta and vegetables thoroughly to prevent a watery salad.
- Lightly toast smoked paprika in the dressing to deepen its smoky aroma.
- Chill the salad before serving to intensify flavor blending.
- Add crunchy ingredients last to maintain crispness and prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: BLT pasta salad, chickpea pasta salad, protein packed salad, summer salad, smoked turkey bacon salad, gluten free pasta salad
