Description
California Pasta Salad is a vibrant and fresh dish perfect for lunch or dinner, combining tender rotini pasta, smoky turkey bacon, crisp vegetables, and creamy plant-based cheese with a tangy natural dressing. This colorful and flavorful salad offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes that is quick to prepare and versatile for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 2 cups rotini pasta
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
Vegetables and Cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup plant-based cheese (shredded)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon mustard (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the rotini pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool and stop cooking. Set aside.
- Prepare the Turkey Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook smoked turkey bacon until crisp, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess oil on a paper towel-lined plate then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop the Vegetables and Cheese: Dice cucumber, bell peppers, and red onion into small, even pieces. Halve cherry tomatoes and shred the plant-based cheese. Prepare all ingredients before assembling.
- Mix the Dressing: Whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, mustard (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir in the natural gelling agent if desired until dissolved for better dressing consistency.
- Combine Everything: In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, turkey bacon, chopped vegetables, and shredded cheese. Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Salt the pasta water well and do not overcook to keep pasta firm.
- Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Use fresh vegetables and herbs for the best flavor and texture.
- Toss salad gently to avoid mushy ingredients.
- Start with less dressing and add more as needed to prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: California Pasta Salad, plant-based cheese, turkey bacon salad, fresh pasta salad, easy pasta salad, quick lunch recipe
