Description

Ditalini Pasta Salad is a fresh, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish featuring small tube-shaped pasta, smoky turkey bacon, creamy plant-based cheese, and vibrant vegetables tossed in a tangy apple cider vinegar dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or a crowd-pleasing side, this salad offers a satisfying crunch, balanced flavors, and bright herbal notes, making it enjoyable in any season.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Protein

1 cup ditalini pasta
4 slices smoked turkey bacon
1 cup plant-based cheese, cubed

Vegetables and Herbs

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped

Dressing

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (natural)
1 clove fresh garlic, minced
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Optional

1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent

Instructions

Cook the Ditalini Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ditalini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse immediately under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep the pasta firm.
Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy and golden browned. Remove from the pan and let cool, then chop into small bite-sized pieces for easy mixing.
Chop the Fresh Vegetables: Dice the cucumbers, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and finely chop the fresh basil to bring brightness and crunch to the salad.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar (natural), olive oil, Dijon mustard (natural), minced fresh garlic, salt, and pepper until fully blended and emulsified to coat every ingredient evenly.
Combine and Toss: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, chopped bacon, vegetables, and cubed plant-based cheese. Pour over the dressing and gently but thoroughly toss to evenly coat all ingredients.
Chill Before Serving: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing taste and texture.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente to maintain a pleasant bite.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for flavors to develop fully.
Cut ingredients uniformly into bite-sized pieces for balanced texture.
Adjust dressing quantities to taste, adding more for extra tang.
Use fresh herbs to brighten flavor and aroma.
Use natural gelling agent sparingly if desired for a subtle texture boost.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Boiling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 280
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: ditalini pasta salad, pasta salad, smoked turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, fresh vegetable salad, quick lunch, healthy side dish