Description
A fresh, flavorful, and easy-to-make Orzo Pasta Salad packed with vibrant vegetables, crispy smoked turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based cheese. This colorful salad combines various textures and tastes, making it a perfect light lunch, side dish, or party favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Protein
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, roughly chopped
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- Pinch of natural gelling agent
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Additional
- 1/2 cup plant-based cheese, diced or crumbled
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta for the salad.
- Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon: While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat and crisp the smoked turkey bacon until golden and crunchy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Once cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop the Fresh Vegetables and Herbs: Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, finely chop the red onion, and roughly chop the parsley and basil. Set aside.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), a pinch of natural gelling agent, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Everything: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled orzo, chopped vegetables, smoked turkey bacon, and plant-based cheese. Pour the dressing over the ingredients and gently toss to coat everything evenly without breaking the pasta.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature for best taste.
Notes
- Keep the orzo al dente to maintain the best texture and avoid mushiness.
- Chop vegetables and bacon uniformly for balanced bites.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley and basil to add brightness and aroma.
- Allow the salad to chill to let the dressing soak into the orzo enhancing the flavor.
- Adjust seasoning by tasting before serving and add more salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed.
- Drain pasta well and toss with a little olive oil before adding dressing to prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Orzo Pasta Salad, plant-based cheese salad, smoked turkey bacon salad, fresh vegetable pasta salad, easy pasta salad
