Description
This Italian Grinder Pasta Salad is a fresh and hearty dish filled with smoky smoked turkey, creamy plant-based cheese, and vibrant vegetables. Tossed in a tangy dressing made with apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, this salad offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It is quick to prepare and ideal for lunches, picnics, or light dinners with a refreshing and satisfying taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 cups cavatappi pasta
Proteins and Cheese
- 1 cup smoked turkey, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, cubed or crumbled
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 medium red onion, finely sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (natural)
- 1/4 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the cavatappi pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool and stop the cooking process, then set aside to drain fully.
- Prepare the vegetables and smoked turkey: While the pasta cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the green bell pepper, finely slice the red onion, and pit and halve the Kalamata olives. Cut the smoked turkey into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing and eating.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar (natural), olive oil (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), garlic powder (natural), and a touch of natural gelling agent until emulsified into a smooth, clingy dressing.
- Combine all ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss the drained pasta, smoked turkey, vegetables, olives, plant-based cheese, and fresh basil. Pour the dressing over and gently stir to combine, ensuring every bite gets coated in flavor.
- Chill and serve: For best results, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Give it a final gentle toss before serving.
Notes
- Cook pasta just right: Slightly undercook the pasta so it holds its shape and texture after chilling.
- Drain well: Rinsing pasta under cold water prevents sticking and helps cool it quickly.
- Chill the salad: Refrigerating enhances flavor melding and makes it extra refreshing.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh basil adds brightness and an irresistible aroma.
- Mix gently: Toss ingredients gently to avoid crushing delicate veggies and cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No cooking / Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Italian pasta salad, smoked turkey salad, plant-based cheese salad, picnic pasta salad, gluten free pasta salad
