Description
This Easy Creamy Lemon Parmesan Pasta Salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish combining zesty lemon flavor, rich creaminess from plant-based Parmesan, and smoky crunch from smoked turkey bacon. Perfect as a side or light meal, it is simple to prepare and versatile for many occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups short pasta (rotini or penne)
- 1/2 cup plant-based Parmesan (grated)
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/3 cup natural mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until just al dente, avoiding overcooking for ideal texture. Drain and rinse under cool water to stop cooking and cool the pasta.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together natural mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice and zest, apple cider vinegar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: Chop smoked turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces. Cook in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess oil, then set aside to cool slightly.
- Combine Everything: In a large bowl, toss the cooled pasta with the dressing until evenly coated. Fold in plant-based Parmesan, smoked turkey bacon, and fresh herbs gently to mix without breaking the pasta.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Before serving, optionally garnish with extra plant-based Parmesan, fresh herbs, and lemon wedges.
Notes
- Cook pasta slightly under al dente to maintain firmness after chilling.
- Use fresh lemon zest for best citrus aroma.
- Adjust apple cider vinegar and lemon juice to balance acidity.
- Chill salad to let flavors develop fully.
- Add smoked turkey bacon just before serving to keep it crispy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling, Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: lemon pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, plant-based parmesan, turkey bacon pasta, summer side dish
