Description
BLT Pasta Salad with Chickpea Pasta is a vibrant and delicious salad combining the crunch of smoked turkey bacon, hearty chickpea pasta, creamy plant-based cheese, and fresh vegetables tossed in a tangy, natural dressing. Perfect for lunch, light dinner, or a colorful side at gatherings, this gluten-free and protein-packed salad delights with fresh and smoky flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Base
- 8 oz chickpea pasta
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup plant-based cheese (shredded)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
Dressing
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (natural)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Chickpea Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the chickpea pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually around 7-9 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta for the salad.
- Prepare Smoked Turkey Bacon: While the pasta cooks, crisp up the smoked turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until golden and crunchy. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess fat, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop Fresh Veggies: Slice the cherry tomatoes in halves, finely dice the red onion, and chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized chunks. Set aside so the salad comes together quickly.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together natural mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar (natural), Dijon mustard (natural), garlic powder (natural), salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Toss the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled chickpea pasta, smoked turkey bacon, chopped veggies, and shredded plant-based cheese. Pour the dressing over and toss gently until evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld beautifully. Serve chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing meal.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the pasta to keep it firm and with great texture.
- Pat bacon dry to remove excess oil and maintain crispness.
- Chill the salad before serving to allow flavors to marry.
- Use fresh, high-quality garlic powder (natural) to avoid bitterness in the dressing.
- Toss gently to preserve the crispness of the veggies and prevent cheese clumping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling and Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: BLT pasta salad, chickpea pasta salad, smoked turkey bacon salad, plant-based cheese salad, gluten free pasta salad, protein packed salad
