Description
This Southwest Pasta Salad is a fresh, vibrant, and quick-to-prepare meal packed with smoky turkey style bacon, creamy plant-based cheese, fresh vegetables, and a zesty natural dressing. Perfect for busy days, meal prepping, or an exciting lunch or dinner that combines bold flavors and nutritious ingredients in every colorful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 2 cups medium-sized pasta (e.g., rotini or penne)
- 6 slices smoked turkey style bacon
- 1/2 cup plant-based cheese, diced or shredded
Vegetables and Beans
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Zesty Dressing (natural)
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (natural)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it for the salad.
- Prepare the Turkey Style Bacon: While the pasta cooks, fry the smoked turkey style bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop and Prepare Vegetables: Dice the red bell pepper, slice the green onions, halve the cherry tomatoes, and finely chop the cilantro. Combine all these fresh ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled pasta and chopped turkey style bacon to the bowl with the vegetables. Gently fold in the black beans and fresh corn kernels to add heartiness and sweetness.
- Make the Dressing (natural): In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined and flavorful.
- Toss and Chill: Pour the zesty dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld beautifully.
Notes
- Cook pasta perfectly and avoid overcooking so it holds texture in the salad.
- Drain vegetables and beans thoroughly to prevent sogginess.
- Chill the salad to develop deeper flavors before serving.
- Adjust seasoning to taste with salt, lime juice, or spices for ideal zing.
- Use fresh vegetables and herbs for the best color and vibrancy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southwest
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Southwest pasta salad, plant-based cheese salad, turkey style bacon salad, quick pasta salad, gluten-free pasta salad, vibrant pasta salad, zesty dressing salad
