Description

BLT Pasta Salad with Chickpea Pasta combines smoky turkey bacon, protein-packed chickpea pasta, and fresh crisp vegetables tossed in a bright apple cider vinegar dressing. This gluten-free, nutrient-rich salad is light, filling, and perfect for lunches, dinners, or picnics. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a versatile dish that works well as a main, side, or potluck contribution.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad

8 ounces chickpea pasta
6 slices smoked turkey bacon
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped

Dressing

3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (natural)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (natural)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the Chickpea Pasta: Boil chickpea pasta in salted water until al dente, about 7 to 9 minutes depending on the brand. Drain and rinse thoroughly under cold water to stop cooking and cool completely to prevent mushiness.
Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon: While pasta cooks, heat a pan over medium. Cook turkey bacon until crisp but not burnt. Drain excess grease on paper towels then chop into bite-sized pieces.
Chop the Fresh Vegetables: Cut cherry tomatoes into halves or quarters. Thinly slice the red onion, chop romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces, and roughly chop fresh parsley to ensure balanced bites.
Whisk the Dressing: In a medium bowl, combine apple cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk vigorously until smooth and slightly thickened for a tangy, savory finish.
Toss and Combine: In a large bowl, mix the cooled chickpea pasta, turkey bacon, and fresh vegetables. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently to evenly coat all ingredients.

Notes

Rinse pasta thoroughly with cold water to keep it firm and ready to absorb dressing.
Cook turkey bacon crisply for added texture and smoky flavor.
Use the freshest cherry tomatoes and lettuce for maximum flavor and crunch.
Adjust dressing amounts to your taste by adding more apple cider vinegar or olive oil if desired.
Serve salad chilled after resting in the fridge for at least 30 minutes for best taste.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 550mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 8g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: BLT Pasta Salad, Chickpea Pasta Salad, Gluten-Free Pasta Salad, Turkey Bacon Salad, Healthy Pasta Salad