Description
This easy and refreshing Spaghetti Salad is perfect for summer, combining al dente spaghetti with crisp vegetables, smoky turkey bacon, creamy plant-based cheese, and a bright dressing of olive oil and apple cider vinegar. Ideal for picnics, quick lunches, or light dinners, it delivers fresh, balanced flavors and satisfying textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 8 oz spaghetti, cooked al dente
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
Vegetables and Cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup plant-based cheese cubes (plant-based)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Dressing and Seasoning
- 3 tbsp olive oil (natural)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta for the salad.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking and cooling, dice the cucumber and red bell pepper, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the black olives, and chop the fresh basil leaves to maintain freshness and aroma.
- Crisp the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a non-stick pan, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces to add a smoky crunch.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled spaghetti, chopped vegetables, crispy smoked turkey bacon, and plant-based cheese cubes. Toss gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Dress and Season: Drizzle the olive oil (natural) and apple cider vinegar (natural) over the salad. Sprinkle garlic powder (natural), salt, and black pepper to taste. Toss lightly, ensuring every ingredient is coated with the dressing.
Notes
- Use cold pasta rinsed with water to prevent clumping and keep the salad refreshing.
- Chop vegetables uniformly for a balanced bite every time.
- Start dressing with a small amount and add more gradually to avoid an overly wet salad.
- Allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to blend flavors.
- Add fresh basil just before serving to maintain its bright flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx.)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: Spaghetti salad, summer pasta salad, plant-based cheese salad, smoked turkey bacon salad, easy summer recipe
