Description
This Creamy Lemon Parmesan Pasta Salad features bright, zesty lemon juice, smooth plant-based Parmesan, and crispy smoked turkey bacon for a refreshing and indulgent dish. Perfect as a vibrant picnic side or an easy lunch, it offers layers of flavor with a tangy natural dressing and delightful textures that will quickly become a favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Main Ingredients
- 2 cups short pasta (rotini or penne)
- 3 tablespoons plant-based Parmesan
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (natural)
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water until just al dente, tender but with a slight bite. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking and cool for the salad.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (natural), freshly squeezed lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until creamy and well balanced.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: While pasta cools, crisp the bacon in a pan until golden and crunchy. Drain excess fat on paper towels, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine and Toss: In a large bowl, gently toss the pasta with the dressing, plant-based Parmesan, crumbled smoked turkey bacon, and chopped fresh parsley for freshness and color.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Salt pasta water well and monitor cooking time closely to avoid mushiness.
- Chill the salad before serving to enhance flavor blending.
- Add dressing gradually to prevent overdressing.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright flavor.
- Add crispy bacon just before serving to maintain crunch.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Not recommended for freezing due to creamy dressing and fresh ingredients.
- Serve cold or bring to room temperature; avoid reheating extensively.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: lemon pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, plant-based parmesan pasta, smoked turkey bacon salad, summer pasta salad
