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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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