Description

Spicy Crispy Pasta Salad with Chili Crisp Yogurt is a vibrant, flavor-packed salad combining perfectly cooked short pasta, crispy smoked turkey bacon, fresh vegetables, and a creamy chili crisp yogurt dressing. This salad offers a delightful mix of spicy, crunchy, and creamy textures, perfect for a satisfying lunch or a flavorful side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Protein

2 cups short pasta (fusilli or penne), cooked al dente
6 strips smoked turkey bacon, cooked crispy and chopped

Vegetables

1 cup diced cucumber
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
3 green onions, chopped

Dressing

1 cup plain plant-based yogurt
2 tablespoons chili crisp (natural)
1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
2 teaspoons olive oil (natural)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (natural)
1/4 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process, then set aside.
Crisp the Smoked Turkey Bacon: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the smoked turkey bacon strips until golden and crispy. Transfer to paper towels to absorb excess oil, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
Prepare the Chili Crisp Yogurt Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the plant-based yogurt, chili crisp, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and natural gelling agent until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, crispy turkey bacon, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped green onions. Toss gently to combine evenly.
Dress and Chill: Pour the chili crisp yogurt dressing over the pasta mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the salad to chill.

Notes

Avoid overcooking the pasta to keep its firm and crunchy texture.
Cook turkey bacon on medium heat to achieve even crispiness without burning.
Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let flavors combine and textures firm up.
Adjust chili crisp and lemon juice amounts to perfectly balance the heat and tang to your preference.
Add fresh seasonal vegetables to maintain brightness and enhance nutrition.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 280
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: spicy pasta salad, chili crisp yogurt, smoked turkey bacon, creamy pasta salad, gluten-free pasta salad