Description

This BLT Pasta Salad is a fresh and satisfying summer side dish featuring crispy smoked turkey bacon, crunchy fresh veggies, and creamy plant-based cheese, combined with perfectly cooked spiral pasta and a creamy, tangy dressing. Easy to prepare and customizable, it is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or quick weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad

8 oz rotini or your favorite pasta
6 slices smoked turkey bacon
1 cup fresh cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
2 cups crisp romaine lettuce, chopped
1 cup cucumber slices
1/2 cup plant-based cream style cheese

Dressing

1/3 cup natural mayonnaise
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon natural maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pinch of salt

Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Start by boiling your pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain it well and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down for the salad.
Prepare the smoked turkey bacon: While the pasta cooks, crisp the smoked turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until golden and crunchy. Drain on paper towels, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
Chop your fresh veggies: Slice the cherry tomatoes in halves or quarters, chop the romaine lettuce finely, and thinly slice the cucumbers to keep all the textures balanced.
Make the creamy dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the natural mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, natural maple syrup, garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined.
Toss everything together: Combine the cooled pasta with bacon, veggies, and plant-based cheese. Pour the dressing over and gently toss until everything is coated evenly.
Chill and serve: Let the BLT Pasta Salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend beautifully before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley right before you dig in.

Notes

Use rotini or fusilli: Their twists trap dressing and bits of bacon for maximum flavor in every forkful.
Cool pasta completely: Prevents wilting of fresh veggies and keeps the salad crisp.
Make it ahead: Pasta salad tastes even better when flavors meld overnight.
Adjust dressing consistency: Thin with a splash of grape juice if needed to reach your preferred creaminess.
Fresh herbs matter: Parsley is classic, but fresh basil or chives can add exciting new notes.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 cup)
Calories: 320
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 580mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 13g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: BLT pasta salad, summer side dish, smoked turkey bacon salad, plant-based cheese pasta salad, easy pasta salad recipe