Description
A light and refreshing Tortellini Pasta Salad combining soft cheese tortellini (plant-based), crispy smoked turkey bacon, fresh vegetables, and a creamy plant-based dressing. Perfect for warm days, meal prep, casual lunches, or picnics, this salad is flavorful, easy to prepare, and keeps well for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 300g Cheese Tortellini Pasta (plant-based)
- 100g Smoked Turkey Bacon
Vegetables
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium Cucumber, diced
- 1 Red Bell Pepper, chopped
- 1/2 Red Onion, finely sliced
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil Leaves, torn
Dressing
- 1/4 cup Plant-Based Mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar (natural)
- 1 tsp Vegetarian Worcestershire Sauce (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Black Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil and cook the cheese tortellini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and rinse briefly with cold water to cool and stop cooking, then set aside in a large bowl.
- Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a large pan over medium heat, crisp the smoked turkey bacon until golden and slightly crisp. Once cooked, transfer to paper towels to drain excess fat, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop the Fresh Vegetables: Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, finely slice the red onion, and chop the red bell pepper into small pieces. Add everything directly to the bowl with the cooled tortellini.
- Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the plant-based mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Combine and Toss: Add the smoked turkey bacon pieces and torn fresh basil leaves to the pasta and vegetable mixture. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every ingredient evenly.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the Tortellini Pasta Salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully before serving.
Notes
- Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushy tortellini.
- Rinse tortellini with cold water after cooking to cool and prevent sogginess.
- Use fresh basil for vibrant aroma and flavor.
- Customize the dressing by adjusting apple cider vinegar (natural) and plant-based mayonnaise ratios.
- Toss salad gently to maintain the integrity of tortellini and crispness of vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Tortellini Salad, Pasta Salad, Plant-Based Cheese, Smoked Turkey Bacon, Summer Salad, Easy Meal Prep
