Description
A vibrant and flavorful Tortellini Pasta Salad featuring cheese-filled (plant-based) tortellini, crisp fresh vegetables, and savory smoked turkey bacon. Perfect for an easy, protein-packed meal ready in under 30 minutes, this salad can be enjoyed warm or cold for lunch, dinner, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 12 oz cheese-filled (plant-based) tortellini pasta
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Dressing
- 2 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (natural)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (natural)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese-filled (plant-based) tortellini and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta for salad assembly.
- Prepare the smoked turkey bacon: While the tortellini cooks, chop the smoked turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces. Cook in a non-stick pan over medium heat until crispy and golden. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Chop the vegetables: Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the red bell pepper into thin strips, and finely slice the red onion. Tear the fresh basil leaves roughly to release their aroma.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard (natural), and garlic powder (natural) until well combined and smooth.
- Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, smoked turkey bacon, and chopped vegetables. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Cook pasta until al dente and rinse with cold water to avoid mushiness.
- Chill the salad for 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavor.
- Add dressing gradually to prevent soggy texture.
- Use fresh, crisp vegetables for the best crunch and taste.
- Optional: add nuts or seeds for extra crunch and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Tortellini pasta salad, plant-based tortellini, smoked turkey bacon, fresh vegetable salad, easy pasta salad, protein-packed salad, quick meal, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
