Description
This easy Italian Pasta Salad is a refreshing and vibrant summer dish packed with smoked turkey bacon, crisp colorful vegetables, and a tangy, zesty natural dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or casual family meals, it combines a delightful mix of flavors and textures that are quick to prepare and sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 2 cups rotini pasta
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon, sliced into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables and Cheese (plant-based)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup plant-based feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing (natural)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (natural)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool and stop cooking.
- Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon. While pasta cooks, slice smoked turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces. Cook in a non-stick pan over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Chop the Vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, dice the cucumber and red bell pepper, and slice the black olives.
- Make the Dressing (natural). In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), Dijon mustard, garlic powder, Italian seasoning (natural), salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Combine All Ingredients. In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta, crispy smoked turkey bacon, chopped vegetables, and plant-based feta cheese. Pour the dressing over and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Chill and Serve. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to blend flavors. Garnish with fresh basil and parsley before serving.
Notes
- Rinse pasta with cold water after cooking to prevent sticking and help it absorb dressing better.
- Chill the salad well to allow flavors to blend and intensify.
- Customize veggies according to seasonality and personal preference.
- Cook turkey bacon until crispy for best texture without overpowering the salad.
- Prepare in advance; the salad tastes great the next day and is perfect for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Italian pasta salad, smoked turkey bacon, summer salad, plant-based feta, easy pasta salad, picnic dish
