Description
A refreshing Creamy Lemon Parmesan Pasta Salad featuring smoked turkey bacon and plant-based parmesan, offering a bright, tangy flavor and creamy texture. This versatile dish is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or quick dinners, combining tender pasta with a zesty lemon dressing for an unforgettable meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 8 oz short pasta (rotini or penne)
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
Dressing
- 1/2 cup plant-based mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plant-based Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Additional Ingredients
- 1/3 cup plant-based parmesan
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling your chosen short pasta in salted water until just tender. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon: While the pasta cooks, crisp up the smoked turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Once crispy, chop it into bite-sized pieces for the salad.
- Make the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together plant-based mayonnaise, plant-based Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice and zest, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Combine and Toss: In a large bowl, fold the cooled pasta, chopped smoked turkey bacon, chopped parsley, and plant-based parmesan together. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully before serving.
Notes
- Do not overcook pasta; keep it al dente to maintain texture.
- Rinse pasta under cold water to stop cooking and enhance dressing absorption.
- Adjust lemon juice and apple cider vinegar to balance the tanginess of the dressing.
- Add fresh parsley or other herbs at the end to keep flavors vibrant.
- Chilling before serving allows the dressing to soak in, enhancing every bite.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: lemon pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, plant-based pasta salad, smoked turkey bacon salad, tangy pasta salad
