Description

A fresh, flavorful, and satisfying Spaghetti Salad combining vibrant vegetables, crispy smoked turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based cheese. Perfect for a quick lunch, side dish, or casual gathering, this salad brings delightful textures and tastes in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

8 oz cooked and cooled spaghetti pasta

Vegetables & Primary Ingredients

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup black olives, sliced
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves

Protein & Cheese

4 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
1/2 cup shredded plant-based cheese

Dressing

3 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
1/4 tsp garlic powder (natural)
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional: 1/2 tsp natural gelling agent

Instructions

Cook and Cool the Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down.
Prepare the Vegetables and Bacon: Chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and black olives. Crisp the smoked turkey bacon in a pan until golden, then let it cool before chopping into bite-sized pieces.
Mix the Dressing: Whisk together apple cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add natural gelling agent if a thicker, smooth dressing is preferred.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the cooled spaghetti, chopped veggies, bacon, shredded plant-based cheese, and fresh basil leaves with the dressing until evenly coated.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente to keep it firm and prevent mushiness.
Rinse pasta thoroughly under cold water to keep salad fresh.
Use fresh, ripe vegetables for optimal flavor and texture.
Make the dressing ahead to deepen flavors.
Taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Chill the salad to enhance flavor melding.
Leftovers keep for up to 3 days in an airtight container refrigerated.
Freeze is not recommended due to texture changes.
Serve chilled or at room temperature; gently warm by letting sit out if preferred.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: No Cook
Cuisine: International

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 280
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: spaghetti salad, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, fresh vegetable salad, quick lunch, easy salad, picnic salad