Description
Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad is a vibrant, fresh, and satisfying dish bursting with fresh vegetables, smoky turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, and tossed in a tangy apple cider vinegar dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or quick lunches, it offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors that brighten any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 cups short pasta (rotini or penne)
Vegetables & Add-ins
- 1 cup fresh bell peppers, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted
- 1/2 cup artichoke hearts, rough chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
Protein & Cheese
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
- 3/4 cup plant-based cheese, cubed
Dressing
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your short pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta for the salad.
- Prepare the Veggies and Bacon: While pasta is cooking, chop the bell peppers, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the red onion thinly, and rough chop artichoke hearts. Cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy, then chop into small, bite-size pieces.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar (natural), olive oil, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), a pinch of salt, pepper, and the natural gelling agent. This tangy dressing adds bright flavor and holds the ingredients together.
- Combine All Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add cooled pasta, fresh veggies, olives, bacon, and plant-based cheese cubes. Pour dressing over and toss everything gently but thoroughly to coat.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows flavors to meld and creates that perfect refreshing taste you want in an Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad.
Notes
- Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness after chilling.
- Use fresh, crisp vegetables for best taste and texture.
- Chill the salad before serving to enhance flavor blending.
- Add dressing last to keep the salad fresh and prevent sogginess.
- Toast the turkey bacon until crispy for smoky crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Italian, pasta salad, antipasto, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar dressing, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, fresh vegetables
