Description
BLT Pasta Salad with Chickpea Pasta is a fresh, flavorful, and wholesome dish combining smoky turkey bacon, crisp fresh vegetables, and tender chickpea pasta tossed in a tangy, creamy dressing featuring apple cider vinegar. This protein-rich and colorful salad is easy to prepare and perfect for lunches, picnics, or casual dinners, offering a nutritious and satisfying meal that is bright, light, and nourishing.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz chickpea pasta
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, minced
Dressing
- 1/4 cup natural mayonnaise (plant-based)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp natural Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp natural gelling agent
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Chickpea Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the chickpea pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool the pasta for the salad.
- Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon: While the pasta cooks, fry the smoked turkey bacon in a pan over medium heat until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, then chop into bite-sized pieces to add smoky crunch.
- Chop Fresh Vegetables: Dice the romaine lettuce, halve the cherry tomatoes, finely slice the red onion, and mince the fresh parsley. These fresh veggies add brightness, color, and texture to bring the salad to life.
- Make the Tangy Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together plant-based natural mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, natural Dijon mustard, the natural gelling agent, salt, and pepper until creamy and tangy.
- Combine All Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta, turkey bacon pieces, fresh vegetables, and dressing until everything is evenly coated. Adjust seasoning as needed and garnish with extra parsley for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Avoid overcooking chickpea pasta to keep it firm and maintain the perfect salad texture.
- Rinse pasta under cold water to prevent mushiness and help it absorb the dressing better.
- Prepare the dressing a day ahead to deepen the flavor and save time during assembly.
- Add the turkey bacon last to keep it crisp and flavorful.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld beautifully.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan-Frying, Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: BLT pasta salad, chickpea pasta salad, smoked turkey bacon salad, protein-rich salad, gluten free pasta salad, tangy pasta salad, plant-based mayonnaise salad