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California Pasta Salad

California Pasta Salad

  • Author: Jonathan
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

California Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining fresh, crisp vegetables with smoky turkey bacon and creamy plant-based cheese cubes. This colorful pasta salad is perfect for meal prep, gatherings, or a quick satisfying meal that offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Chilled and tossed in a tangy, natural dressing made with apple cider vinegar and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, it’s a fresh, versatile addition to any table.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Protein

  • 8 oz rotini pasta
  • 6 slices smoked turkey bacon

Vegetables and Herbs

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped

Cheese

  • 3/4 cup plant-based cheese cubes

Dressing

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
  • 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder (natural)
  • 1/4 tsp natural gelling agent
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

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 and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta for the salad.
  2. Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Chop the Fresh Veggies: Slice the cherry tomatoes in halves, dice the cucumber and red bell pepper into small, uniform pieces, and roughly chop fresh parsley leaves to ensure consistent flavor and texture throughout the salad.
  4. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), garlic powder (natural), natural gelling agent, salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified.
  5. Combine All Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled pasta, crispy smoked turkey bacon, chopped vegetables, and plant-based cheese cubes. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
  6. Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve chilled for optimal freshness and taste.

Notes

  • Cook pasta just right: Al dente pasta helps prevent a mushy texture in the salad.
  • Use fresh veggies: Crisp, firm vegetables significantly improve flavor and crunch.
  • Chill before serving: Refrigerating the salad enhances flavor blending.
  • Add dressing sparingly at first: You can always add more to keep the salad vibrant and not soggy.
  • Crisp bacon tips: Cook smoked turkey bacon without oil to keep it crispy and not greasy.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: California Pasta Salad, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, rotini pasta, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, fresh veggies, gluten free pasta salad

Find it online: https://familycookspot.com/california-pasta-salad/