Description
Southwest Pasta Salad is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish combining smoky turkey bacon, creamy plant-based cheese, fresh vegetables, and a zesty natural dressing. Perfect for casual lunches, picnics, or potlucks, this colorful salad brings bold Southwest flavors with an easy and refreshing twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 8 oz dry rotini pasta
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, cubed or crumbled
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels
- 1 cup diced red bell peppers
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Dressing
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice (natural)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp natural gelling agent (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the dry rotini pasta according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool the pasta and stop the cooking process, ensuring the pasta stays firm for mixing.
- Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon: While the pasta cooks, crisp the smoked turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Once golden and crispy, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop the Veggies and Cheese: Dice the red bell peppers, slice the green onions, and finely chop the cilantro. Cut the plant-based cheese into small cubes or crumble it for easy mixing.
- Make the Zesty Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar (natural), lime juice (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), olive oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and natural gelling agent if using. The dressing should be tangy, smoky, and well balanced.
- Combine All Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped turkey bacon, diced vegetables, black beans, corn kernels, and plant-based cheese. Pour the dressing over everything and gently toss until evenly coated. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- Use cold pasta by rinsing under cold water after cooking to prevent sticking and maintain freshness.
- Start by adding half the dressing and toss, then gradually add more to avoid overwhelming the salad.
- Prep veggies and cook bacon ahead of time to save time when serving.
- Adjust seasonings like cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and lime juice to suit your taste preferences.
- Add fresh herbs like cilantro just before serving to keep vibrant color and flavor intact.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No Baking
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Southwest Pasta Salad, Southwest salad, pasta salad, plant-based cheese salad, turkey bacon salad, gluten free pasta salad
