Description
This BLT Pasta Salad with Chickpea Pasta balances smoky turkey bacon, crisp fresh vegetables, and protein-packed chickpea pasta with a vibrant, tangy natural dressing, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal or side dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 8 oz chickpea pasta
- 6 strips smoked turkey bacon
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, finely chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp chives, chopped
Dressing
- 1/4 cup plant-based mayonnaise (natural)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (natural)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Cook the Chickpea Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the chickpea pasta according to the package directions until just tender. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process, then set aside to cool completely. This step ensures the pasta stays light and holds its shape beautifully within the salad.
- Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon: While the pasta cools, crisp the smoked turkey bacon in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until golden and slightly crunchy. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil, then chop into bite-sized pieces. This smoky component enhances the overall flavor with lovely crisp edges.
- Chop Fresh Vegetables: Wash and finely chop the romaine lettuce, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion. Combine these with chopped chives to create a fresh, vibrant vegetable mix that perfectly complements the pasta and bacon.
- Make the Zesty Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together plant-based mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. This bright, creamy dressing brings a perfect balance of tangy and savory notes to the dish.
- Combine and Toss: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled chickpea pasta, smoked turkey bacon, chopped veggies, and the dressing. Toss gently but thoroughly until everything is evenly coated, ensuring every bite has that fresh and zesty BLT flavor.
Notes
- Chop vegetables uniformly for balanced texture.
- Use cold pasta to prevent absorbing too much dressing and keep the salad lively.
- Make dressing ahead and let sit for 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Cook turkey bacon until crispy for added texture contrast.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors marry.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: BLT Pasta Salad, Chickpea Pasta Salad, Turkey Bacon Salad, Healthy Pasta Salad, Gluten Free Pasta Salad, Plant-Based Dressing
