Description
A fresh and flavorful Ditalini Pasta Salad featuring smoky turkey bacon, creamy plant-based cheese, and vibrant vegetables in a tangy natural dressing. This quick and easy recipe makes a versatile meal perfect for lunches, sides, or potlucks.
Ingredients
Pasta and Protein
- Ditalini pasta, 2 cups
- Smoked turkey bacon, 6 slices
Vegetables and Herbs
- Cherry tomatoes, 1 cup, halved
- Cucumber, 1 medium, diced
- Red bell pepper, 1 medium, diced
- Fresh parsley, 1/4 cup finely chopped
Cheese
- Plant-based cheese, 3/4 cup cubed or crumbled
Dressing
- Olive oil (natural), 3 tablespoons
- Apple cider vinegar (natural), 2 tablespoons
- Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), 1 teaspoon
- Mustard (natural), 1 teaspoon
- Salt, 1/2 teaspoon or to taste
- Black pepper, freshly ground, 1/4 teaspoon
- Natural gelling agent, 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot. Add the ditalini pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta for the salad.
- Prepare the bacon and veggies: While the pasta cooks, slice the smoked turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces. Cook in a non-stick pan over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels. Finely chop cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and fresh parsley.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and black pepper until emulsified. Add the natural gelling agent if a thicker dressing is desired and whisk again.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the cooled pasta with cooked bacon, chopped vegetables, and plant-based cheese. Pour the dressing over and stir until all ingredients are well coated.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Serve cold or at room temperature for best taste.
Notes
- Cook pasta al dente to maintain texture.
- Cool pasta completely before mixing to avoid mushiness.
- Use fresh vegetables to keep the salad crunchy and flavorful.
- Adjust apple cider vinegar gradually for preferred acidity in the dressing.
- Ensure bacon is mildly crisp for texture without overpowering flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling, Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: Ditalini Pasta Salad, plant-based cheese, turkey bacon, pasta salad, easy lunch, gluten free pasta salad
