Description
This vibrant and refreshing Pasta Salad with Basil combines tender short pasta, fresh basil leaves, crisp vegetables, and smoky crispy turkey bacon with a zesty apple cider vinegar dressing. Perfect for warm days or as a lively side dish, it offers bright, herbaceous flavors and a balanced texture, making it easy to prepare and fully customizable for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 2 cups cooked short pasta (fusilli or bow ties)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Protein
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of natural gelling agent (optional)
Optional Garnishes
- Toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds
- Additional fresh basil leaves, torn
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Rinse under cold water to cool and drain well to avoid sogginess.
- Chop Fresh Ingredients: Dice the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and red onion into bite-sized pieces to ensure every forkful has a perfect balance of flavors.
- Cook and Crisp Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels and chop into smaller pieces to scatter evenly in the salad.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of natural gelling agent if using for a smooth, tangy dressing. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped veggies, smoked turkey bacon, and fresh basil leaves torn into pieces. Drizzle the dressing over and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Chill and Serve: Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- Add fresh basil just before serving to preserve aroma and color.
- Thoroughly rinse and chill pasta to keep the salad refreshing and prevent clumping.
- Use the natural gelling agent sparingly to create a silky dressing texture without heaviness.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor fusion.
- Chop ingredients uniformly to ensure balanced bites.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve cold or at room temperature; let sit out 10 minutes before serving if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: pasta salad, basil, smoked turkey bacon, apple cider vinegar dressing, fresh vegetables, healthy side dish
