Description
Greek Pasta Salad is a fresh, flavorful, and vibrant dish combining crisp vegetables, plant-based cheese, and savory smoked turkey bacon. This easy-to-make salad is perfect for quick lunches, potlucks, or light dinners, bringing the bright tastes of the Mediterranean to your table. Customizable and balanced, it is an enjoyable recipe that suits various dietary preferences and occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 2 cups fusilli or penne pasta (gluten-free if needed)
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables and Cheese
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup olives (black or Kalamata), pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup plant-based cheese, crumbled or cubed
Herbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil (natural)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Start by boiling your chosen pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down for the salad.
- Prepare the smoked turkey bacon: While the pasta cooks, crisp up the smoked turkey bacon in a skillet until golden and slightly crunchy, then chop it into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop the vegetables and cheese: Dice the cucumbers, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and crumble or cube the plant-based cheese for easy mixing.
- Make the dressing: Whisk together olive oil (natural), lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), natural gelling agent, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, smoked turkey bacon, vegetables, olives, and herbs. Pour the dressing over and toss everything gently until evenly coated.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully before serving. Enjoy the refreshing vibrancy!
Notes
- Cook pasta properly: Avoid overcooking for the perfect al dente bite and texture.
- Chill well: Letting the salad rest in the fridge enhances the blend of flavors.
- Use fresh herbs: They make a big difference in bringing authentic Greek notes.
- Bacon balance: Cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy to add satisfying texture without being greasy.
- Toss gently: Mix carefully to prevent the cheese and delicate vegetables from breaking apart.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Greek Pasta Salad, Mediterranean Salad, Plant-based Cheese Salad, Smoked Turkey Bacon Salad, Gluten Free Pasta Salad, Fresh Vegetable Salad
