Description
Creamy Lemon Parmesan Pasta Salad is a bright, zesty, and creamy pasta salad featuring fresh lemon juice, smoky turkey bacon, and luscious plant-based cheese. Easy to prepare and perfect for summer, it combines colorful vegetables with a smooth dressing and smoky depth for a satisfying and versatile dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 2 cups rotini or bowtie pasta
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
Dressing
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 1/3 cup grated creamy (plant-based) cheese (plant-based)
Vegetables and Garnishes
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool quickly, then set aside to drain thoroughly.
- Prepare the Smoky Turkey Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook smoked turkey bacon until crispy and fragrant. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Creamy Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, olive oil, apple cider vinegar (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), garlic powder, and natural gelling agent until smooth and slightly thickened. Stir in grated creamy (plant-based) cheese until the dressing achieves a rich texture.
- Toss the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, chopped smoked turkey bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion. Pour the creamy lemon dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top before serving for a bright pop of color and herbaceous aroma. Serve immediately or chill for an hour to let flavors meld.
Notes
- Avoid overcooking pasta; al dente texture prevents mushiness when chilled.
- Chill the salad before serving to allow flavors to marry.
- Adjust lemon juice and apple cider vinegar to preferred tanginess.
- This salad tastes better the next day ideal for meal prep.
- Toss gently but thoroughly to evenly coat ingredients in dressing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling and Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: lemon pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, plant-based cheese salad, smoked turkey bacon salad, summer pasta salad
