Description
Spaghetti Salad is a vibrant and satisfying dish combining al dente spaghetti with fresh vegetables, crispy smoked turkey bacon, and shredded plant-based cheese. This easy-to-make salad balances textures and bright flavors for a nutritious meal perfect for quick lunches or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 200g spaghetti, cooked al dente
- 100g smoked turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded plant-based cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
Dressing
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 3 tbsp olive oil (natural)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until just al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cool water to stop cooking and chill the pasta.
- Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a non-stick pan over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy and browned on the edges. Remove and cool on paper towels, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop Fresh Veggies and Herbs: Dice cucumber and red bell pepper. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Finely chop fresh basil to release its aroma and flavor.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until emulsified to create a tangy dressing.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine chilled spaghetti, chopped vegetables, smoked turkey bacon, and shredded plant-based cheese. Pour dressing over and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Avoid overcooking spaghetti to maintain ideal texture.
- Chill salad to enhance flavor infusion.
- Use fresh, firm vegetables for crunch.
- Toss gently to prevent breaking spaghetti and bruising veggies.
- For garnish, add extra chopped basil or parsley and plant-based cheese shreds with freshly ground pepper.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: spaghetti salad, pasta salad, healthy salad, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, quick lunch, vegetarian options
