Description
This Creamy Lemon Parmesan Pasta Salad is a refreshing and tangy summer dish combining bright lemon zest and juice with the rich, savory depth of plant-based Parmesan and the smoky crunch of turkey bacon. Featuring creamy dressing made with natural mayonnaise and a natural gelling agent, it’s quick to prepare, versatile, and perfect for picnics, potlucks, or simple weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
Dressing
- 1/2 cup natural mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (natural)
- 1/3 cup plant-based Parmesan
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Additional Ingredients
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta for the salad.
- Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together natural mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice and zest, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder (natural), plant-based Parmesan, and natural gelling agent. Season with salt and pepper until the dressing is creamy and well balanced.
- Combine the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, add cooled pasta, chopped smoked turkey bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped fresh parsley. Pour the dressing over and toss gently to coat evenly without breaking the pasta.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to let flavors meld. Before serving, toss gently again to freshen the ingredients.
Notes
- Avoid overcooking pasta to maintain firm texture ideal for salad.
- Adjust the amount of natural gelling agent to achieve creamy but pourable dressing consistency.
- Chilling the salad overnight intensifies lemon and Parmesan flavors.
- Cook turkey bacon until just crispy to add crunch without dryness.
- Add fresh parsley just before serving to keep the salad bright and aromatic.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: pasta salad, lemon pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, plant-based Parmesan, turkey bacon salad, summer salad, easy pasta salad
