Description
California Pasta Salad is a fresh, vibrant, and refreshing dish combining crisp vegetables, smoky turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based cheese. This easy-to-make and versatile salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light meal, delivering a colorful and flavorful twist on classic pasta salads.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 2 cups rotini pasta
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
Fresh Vegetables
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1 medium bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded plant-based cheese
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (natural)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Other
- 1/4 teaspoon natural gelling agent (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the rotini pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down for the salad.
- Prepare the smoked turkey bacon: While the pasta cooks, heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and crisp up the smoked turkey bacon until golden and slightly crunchy. Drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces once cooled.
- Chop the fresh veggies: Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, finely chop the bell peppers, and thinly slice the red onion. Chop fresh parsley and set aside.
- Mix the dressing: Whisk together apple cider vinegar (natural), olive oil (natural), Dijon mustard (natural), salt, and pepper until fully emulsified into a creamy dressing.
- Combine and toss: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, smoked turkey bacon, fresh vegetables, and shredded plant-based cheese. Pour in the dressing and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors mingle and the dish chill. Serve cold for maximum refreshment. Garnish with extra parsley and cherry tomato halves if desired.
Notes
- Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness and ensure the salad maintains texture.
- Use fresh, crisp vegetables for the best flavor and crunch.
- Chill the salad before serving to let flavors blend well.
- Add dressing gradually to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
- Fold in fresh parsley just before serving to keep its herbal brightness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No cooking / Boiling
- Cuisine: California
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: California Pasta Salad, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, fresh vegetables, easy pasta salad, healthy salad
