Description

This easy and refreshing Chicken Club Pasta Salad combines smoky flavors from smoked turkey bacon and smoked turkey with creamy plant-based cheese, crisp vegetables, and perfectly cooked pasta. A light and flavorful summer dish that is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a satisfying meal prep option.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Proteins

2 cups elbow macaroni or rotini pasta
6 slices smoked turkey bacon
1 cup smoked turkey, cubed or shredded

Vegetables and Greens

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Dressing

1/2 cup plant-based mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (natural)
1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Other

1 cup plant-based cheese, cubed

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni or rotini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta for the salad.
Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon and Smoked Turkey: Chop the smoked turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces and crisp them lightly in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Remove and drain any excess oil. Cube or shred the smoked turkey.
Chop the Fresh Vegetables: Dice cucumbers, halve cherry tomatoes, and chop romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop fresh parsley and set aside for assembly.
Make the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the plant-based mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar (natural), Dijon mustard (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to your taste.
Combine Everything: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, smoked turkey bacon, smoked turkey, chopped vegetables, and plant-based cheese cubes. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to evenly coat all ingredients.

Notes

Rinse pasta completely after cooking to prevent excess moisture and sogginess.
Use quality smoked turkey bacon for best flavor and texture.
Adjust the dressing consistency by adding more plant-based mayonnaise or apple cider vinegar according to your preference.
Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least one hour to let flavors meld.
Fresh herbs such as parsley or chives add bright aroma and color.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Chicken Club Pasta Salad, summer salad, smoked turkey, plant-based cheese, picnic recipe, meal prep salad