Description
Refreshing and vibrant Summer Pasta Salad featuring al dente rotini pasta, fresh garden vegetables, crispy smoked turkey bacon, and a tangy apple cider vinegar dressing. This light and protein-packed salad is perfect for warm days, picnics, or easy lunches, offering a nourishing yet refreshing meal option.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 2 cups rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup red bell peppers, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
Protein
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
Dressing
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta until al dente according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta for the salad.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and red bell peppers, and thinly slice the red onion. Chop the fresh basil finely and set everything aside for easy mixing.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Drain on paper towels and once cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces for the salad.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar (natural), olive oil, Dijon mustard (natural), salt, and pepper until emulsified. This zesty mixture will brighten the salad’s flavors and bring everything together.
- Toss Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, smoked turkey bacon, and basil. Pour the dressing over and toss gently until every piece is lightly coated, then chill in the fridge for 20-30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Notes
- Do not overcook pasta; keep it al dente for the best texture that holds up in the salad.
- Chill the salad before serving to allow flavors to blend and keep it refreshing.
- Use fresh, ripe produce for maximum flavor and crunch.
- Adjust dressing ingredients to taste, starting with less vinegar.
- Mix gently to avoid breaking delicate vegetables and maintain the crispness of the bacon.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: summer pasta salad, rotini pasta salad, light pasta salad, smoked turkey bacon salad, garden vegetable salad, easy pasta salad, cold pasta salad
