Description
A fresh and flavorful BLT Pasta Salad featuring protein-packed chickpea pasta, crispy smoked turkey bacon, crisp romaine lettuce, and juicy vine-ripened tomatoes tossed in a tangy natural dressing with fresh herbs. Perfect for any occasion, this vibrant salad offers a delightful combination of textures and balanced flavors, making it an easy, satisfying, and colorful meal option.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 8 oz chickpea pasta
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
Vegetables
- 4 cups chopped crisp romaine lettuce
- 2 vine-ripened tomatoes, diced
Dressing
- 1/2 cup natural mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 clove fresh garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Chickpea Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the chickpea pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta.
- Prepare the Bacon: While the pasta cooks, pan-fry the smoked turkey bacon over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess fat, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop the Veggies: Wash and dry the romaine lettuce and tomatoes. Chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and dice the tomatoes. Mince the fresh garlic and finely chop the parsley.
- Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine natural mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Toss Everything Together: In a large bowl, gently combine the cooled chickpea pasta, crispy smoked turkey bacon, chopped romaine lettuce, and diced tomatoes. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to evenly coat all ingredients. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Rinse cooked pasta under cold water to prevent sticking and keep salad texture firm.
- Drain bacon on paper towels thoroughly to preserve crispiness.
- Adjust dressing tanginess or creaminess by adding more apple cider vinegar or natural mayonnaise as preferred.
- Assemble salad without dressing in advance; add dressing just before serving to maintain freshness.
- Chill salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan-frying, Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: BLT pasta salad, chickpea pasta salad, smoked turkey bacon salad, protein-packed pasta salad, fresh pasta salad, healthy pasta salad