Description
Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining tender cheese-filled tortellini (plant-based), smoky crispy turkey bacon, fresh vegetables, aromatic basil, and a zesty apple cider vinegar dressing (natural). Perfect for quick lunches, picnics, or potlucks, this salad offers a balanced blend of creamy, crunchy, and tangy flavors that delight the palate and brighten the table.
Ingredients
Pasta and Protein
- Fresh or refrigerated cheese-filled tortellini (plant-based) – 12 ounces
- Smoked turkey bacon – 6 slices
Vegetables and Herbs
- Cherry tomatoes – 1 cup, halved
- Fresh basil – 1/4 cup, finely chopped
- Red bell pepper – 1 medium, diced
- Cucumber – 1 medium, diced
Dressing
- Apple cider vinegar dressing (natural) – 3 tablespoons
- Olive oil (natural) – 3 tablespoons
- Garlic (natural) – 1 clove, minced
- Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper – to taste
Garnish
- Plant-based parmesan cheese – 1/4 cup, grated
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
- Olive oil (natural) – for drizzling
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Gently add the cheese-filled tortellini (plant-based) and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, about 3-5 minutes or according to package instructions. Drain the tortellini and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta for the salad.
- Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon: While the tortellini is cooking, fry the smoked turkey bacon in a non-stick pan over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and place it on paper towels to drain excess fat. Once cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop Fresh Vegetables and Herbs: Dice the cucumber and red bell pepper into small, even pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes and finely chop the fresh basil to prepare for mixing into the salad.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar dressing (natural), olive oil (natural), minced garlic (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Toss and Combine: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, chopped vegetables, smoked turkey bacon pieces, and fresh basil. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly. Finish with a sprinkle of plant-based parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy flavor.
Notes
- Do not overcook the tortellini to avoid mushiness when chilled.
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Use fresh vegetables and herbs for the best flavor and texture.
- Store dressing separately if preparing ahead to prevent soggy pasta and veggies.
- Add crunchy ingredients like smoked turkey bacon just before serving to retain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling, Frying, Tossing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad, pasta salad, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, apple cider vinegar dressing, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, fresh vegetables, quick salad, gluten free pasta salad
