Description
This Ditalini Pasta Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish combining smoky turkey bacon, colorful vegetables, and a tangy apple cider vinegar dressing. Perfect as a quick lunch, side, or picnic favorite, it offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
Vegetables
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Other
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Ditalini Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the ditalini pasta, and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool and stop the cooking process.
- Prepare the Turkey Bacon: While the pasta cooks, slice the smoked turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces. Cook over medium heat in a pan until crispy and golden. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Chop the Vegetables: Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, finely chop the red bell pepper, and thinly slice the red onion. Rinse and finely chop the fresh parsley.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar (natural), olive oil (natural), salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Combine and Toss: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, crispy turkey bacon, and chopped vegetables. Pour the dressing over everything and gently toss to coat evenly. If desired, sprinkle in the natural gelling agent and mix gently for a subtle binding texture.
Notes
- Cook pasta just right for al dente texture to avoid mushiness.
- Rinse and cool pasta thoroughly to prevent clumping and keep the salad fresh.
- Use fresh vegetables to maintain crispness and flavor balance.
- Adjust the dressing amount to your taste preference for tanginess.
- Mix gently to avoid breaking delicate veggies or pasta shapes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Ditalini Pasta Salad, pasta salad, turkey bacon salad, healthy pasta salad, summer salad, picnic salad
