Description
This Tortellini Pasta Salad is a bright and flavorful dish combining cheese tortellini (plant-based), smoky turkey bacon, creamy plant-based cheese, and fresh vibrant vegetables. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a versatile side dish. The tangy dressing with apple cider vinegar (natural) and Dijon mustard (natural) enhances the fresh ingredients, creating a balanced, satisfying, and colorful salad that can be easily customized or made ahead for convenience.
Ingredients
Pasta and Protein
- Cheese tortellini (plant-based) – 12 oz
- Smoked turkey bacon – 6 slices
- Plant-based cheese (cubed) – 1 cup
Fresh Vegetables
- Cherry tomatoes (halved) – 1 cup
- Cucumber (diced) – 1 medium
- Red bell pepper (diced) – 1 medium
- Fresh spinach leaves (roughly chopped) – 2 cups
Dressing
- Apple cider vinegar (natural) – 3 tbsp
- Olive oil – 1/4 cup
- Dijon mustard (natural) – 1 tsp
- Italian seasoning (natural) – 1 tsp
- Garlic powder (natural) – 1/2 tsp
- Natural gelling agent – 1/2 tsp
- Salt – 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper – 1/4 tsp
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini: Boil the cheese tortellini (plant-based) in salted water according to the package instructions until tender but firm to the bite. Drain well and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them for the salad.
- Prepare the smoked turkey bacon: While the tortellini cooks, crisp the smoked turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until golden and slightly crunchy. Chop into bite-sized pieces once cooled.
- Chop the fresh vegetables: Wash and prepare the veggies by halving cherry tomatoes, dicing cucumber and red bell pepper, and roughly chopping fresh spinach leaves.
- Mix the dressing: In a bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar (natural), olive oil, Dijon mustard (natural), Italian seasoning (natural), garlic powder (natural), natural gelling agent, salt, and black pepper until combined and smooth.
- Combine all ingredients: In a large salad bowl, combine cooled tortellini, chopped turkey bacon, plant-based cheese cubes, and fresh veggies. Pour the dressing over and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature garnished as desired.
Notes
- Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness when chilled.
- Cool pasta completely by rinsing under cold water to avoid sogginess.
- Add fresh herbs such as basil or parsley for enhanced flavor.
- Avoid overdressing; use just enough for flavor and shine.
- Store salad in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Tortellini Pasta Salad, plant-based cheese, turkey bacon salad, quick pasta salad, vegetarian pasta salad, easy lunch, make-ahead salad
