Description
This vibrant and refreshing Penne Basil Pasta Salad combines fragrant fresh basil, crisp smoked turkey bacon, creamy plant-based cheese, and crunchy vegetables tossed in a tangy apple cider vinegar dressing. Perfect for summer meals, picnics, or casual gatherings, it offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors that is both light and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Base Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, cubed
Fresh Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
Dressing
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (natural)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Penne Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 9 to 11 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it for the salad.
- Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon: While the pasta cooks, chop the smoked turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until crispy and golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel to drain excess fat.
- Chop the Fresh Veggies and Herbs: Dice the cucumbers, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion. Roughly chop the fresh basil leaves to release their aroma and flavor, then set aside.
- Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until combined.
- Combine Everything: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled penne pasta, chopped vegetables, smoked turkey bacon, and plant-based cheese. Pour the dressing over and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly without breaking the pasta.
- Add Fresh Basil and Chill: Add the fresh basil leaves and toss gently once more just before serving. Alternatively, refrigerate the pasta salad for 1 to 2 hours to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- Cook pasta properly to avoid mushiness in the salad.
- Drain and rinse pasta to cool quickly and remove excess starch for better dressing adherence.
- Add fresh basil last or just before serving to preserve its vibrant taste and color.
- Chill the salad before serving to enhance flavor melding and refresh the dish.
- Ensure smoked turkey bacon is crispy for added crunch and texture contrast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Penne Pasta Salad, Basil Pasta Salad, Summer Pasta Salad, Plant-Based Cheese Salad, Smoked Turkey Bacon Salad
