Description
BLT Pasta Salad with Chickpea Pasta is a vibrant and nutritious dish featuring smoky turkey bacon, crisp veggies, and protein-rich chickpea pasta tossed in a zesty apple cider vinegar dressing. Perfect for a light lunch, dinner, or potluck, this salad balances hearty and fresh flavors with a creamy plant-based mayonnaise dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz chickpea pasta
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
Dressing
- 1/3 cup plant-based mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (natural)
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Cook the Chickpea Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add chickpea pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta for the salad.
- Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon pieces until crispy and browned. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop the Fresh Vegetables: While the pasta cooks and bacon crisps, halve cherry tomatoes, finely dice red onion, and chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Roughly chop fresh parsley for garnish.
- Make the Zesty Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together plant-based mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), garlic powder (natural), ground black pepper, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Everything Gently: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled chickpea pasta, turkey bacon, fresh vegetables, and dressing. Toss gently until evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve: Place the salad in the fridge for at least 20 minutes to let flavors blend and chill until ready to serve.
Notes
- Cook pasta al dente to maintain a firm bite suitable for salad.
- Chill pasta before mixing to prevent greasy dressing and help flavors meld.
- Use fresh vegetables for crisp texture and vibrant color.
- Crisp the turkey bacon well for essential crunch.
- Adjust dressing taste by adding more apple cider vinegar (natural) if extra tang is desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: BLT pasta salad, chickpea pasta salad, turkey bacon salad, gluten free pasta salad, plant-based dressing
