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BLT Pasta Salad

BLT Pasta Salad


  • Author: Jonathan
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This BLT Pasta Salad is a vibrant, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish perfect for summer meals. It combines smoky smoked turkey bacon with crisp fresh vegetables and a creamy plant-based dressing for a refreshing and protein-packed salad. Ideal for picnics, barbecues, or casual family gatherings, this versatile salad can be served as a side or a main, and it keeps well when made ahead.


Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 8 ounces rotini pasta
  • 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
  • 2 ripe Roma tomatoes, diced
  • 2 cups Romaine lettuce, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup plant-based mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain well and rinse with cold water to cool completely and prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare the Bacon: While the pasta is cooking, pan-fry the smoked turkey bacon over medium heat until crisp and golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool. Once cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Chop the Veggies: Dice the ripe Roma tomatoes, finely chop the Romaine lettuce, and thinly slice the red onion. Combine these fresh ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
  4. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the plant-based mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), salt, and black pepper. Stir well until smooth and combined.
  5. Mix Everything Together: Add the cooled pasta and chopped turkey bacon into the bowl with your veggies. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
  6. Garnish and Chill: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and herbaceous brightness. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully before serving.

Notes

  • Cook pasta al dente to ensure it holds its shape and texture.
  • Cool pasta completely to prevent wilting the lettuce and to keep the salad crisp.
  • Cook bacon until crisp for satisfying crunch and maximum smoky flavor.
  • Use fresh vegetables for the brightest, most refreshing salad.
  • Chill the salad before serving to allow flavors to meld and intensify.
  • Toss the salad gently to avoid bruising the lettuce and maintain vibrancy.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Pan-frying, boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: BLT pasta salad, summer salad, smoked turkey bacon salad, plant-based dressing, pasta salad recipe