Description
This Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad is a fresh, flavorful, and easy-to-prepare dish combining cheese tortellini (plant-based), smoked turkey bacon, and vibrant vegetables with a tangy olive oil and apple cider vinegar dressing (natural). Perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or picnic centerpiece, it offers a delightful balance of zesty, savory, and fresh tastes in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz cheese tortellini (plant-based)
Protein
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
Vegetables
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn and chopped
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini: Boil the cheese tortellini (plant-based) in lightly salted water following the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
- Prepare the smoked turkey bacon: While the tortellini cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the smoked turkey bacon until crisp. Once cooked, chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop the vegetables: Dice the cucumber and red bell pepper, halve the cherry tomatoes, finely dice the red onion, and tear or chop the fresh basil leaves, reserving some whole leaves for garnish.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), garlic powder (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Combine all ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooled tortellini, chopped vegetables, and smoked turkey bacon. Pour the dressing over and toss gently to evenly coat without breaking the tortellini.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Garnish with additional basil leaves before serving.
Notes
- Rinse tortellini after cooking to prevent sticking and keep salad fresh.
- Add dressing gradually and adjust to taste.
- Prepare in advance; flavors improve after chilling.
- Use fresh quality ingredients for the best taste.
- Toss gently to maintain tortellini shape and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Italian tortellini pasta salad, plant-based cheese tortellini recipe, smoked turkey bacon pasta salad, easy pasta salad, vegetarian dressing, picnic pasta salad
