Description
This BLT Pasta Salad with Chickpea Pasta is a vibrant, protein-packed, and flavorful dish combining smoky turkey bacon, crisp fresh vegetables, tender chickpea pasta, and creamy plant-based cheese. Light yet filling, it offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes, making it an effortless and wholesome meal for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 200g chickpea pasta
- 6 slices turkey bacon
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
- 100g plant-based cheese cubes (plant-based)
Dressing
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (natural)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (natural)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (natural)
- 1/8 tsp natural gelling agent
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Chickpea Pasta: Begin by boiling the chickpea pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta for the salad.
- Prepare the Turkey Bacon: While the pasta cooks, crisp the turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until golden and crunchy. Transfer to paper towels to drain any excess oil, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop the Vegetables: Wash and chop romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes and slice the cucumber thinly for a crisp, fresh element.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together extra virgin olive oil (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), Dijon mustard (natural), garlic powder (natural), salt, black pepper, and a pinch of natural gelling agent until smooth and emulsified.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled chickpea pasta, turkey bacon, chopped veggies, and plant-based cheese (plant-based) cubes. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors meld together beautifully before serving.
Notes
- Avoid overcooking chickpea pasta to maintain its firm, chewy texture.
- Prepare veggies and bacon while pasta cooks for faster assembly.
- Adjust apple cider vinegar (natural) and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) in dressing to match tang and depth to your taste.
- Use crisp, ripe vegetables to elevate texture and color.
- Chill salad to enhance mingling of flavors and allow dressing to soak in.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: BLT Pasta Salad, Chickpea Pasta Salad, Turkey Bacon Salad, Plant-Based Cheese Salad, Gluten Free Pasta Salad