Description
This vibrant Pasta Salad with Basil combines fresh veggies, smoky turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based cheese for a quick, flavorful, and versatile meal. With bright basil, zesty dressing, and protein-packed ingredients, it is perfect for lunch, light dinners, or colorful sides for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta & Fresh Veggies
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, chopped
- 1 cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
Protein & Cheese
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
- 3/4 cup plant-based cheese cubes
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil (natural)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (natural)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the rotini pasta in lightly salted water until just tender but still firm to the bite. Drain and rinse briefly under cool water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Fresh Ingredients: While pasta cooks, chop cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red bell pepper into bite-sized pieces. Roughly tear basil leaves to release aroma without bruising.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook smoked turkey bacon until crispy and slightly browned. Drain excess fat and chop into small pieces for mixing.
- Mix the Dressing: Combine olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until well emulsified and set aside.
- Toss Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, fresh veggies, crispy bacon, plant-based cheese, and torn basil. Pour dressing over and gently toss until evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and basil to infuse the ingredients.
Notes
- Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness and maintain texture after chilling.
- Chop vegetables evenly to ensure a balanced bite every time.
- Use vibrant, fresh basil for optimal aroma and flavor.
- Toss salad with dressing just before serving if you prefer a crisper texture.
- Refrigerate to let flavors meld but avoid over-marinating to keep veggies crisp.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: pasta salad, basil, smoked turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, fresh veggies, easy lunch, gluten free
