Description
Broccoli Pasta Salad combines crisp broccoli florets, smoky turkey bacon, colorful vegetables, and creamy plant-based cheese in a tangy dressing made with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. This fresh, vibrant salad is quick to prepare, nutritious, and perfect for lunches, dinners, or picnics.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets, crisp and vibrant
- 2 cups short pasta (rotini or penne), cooked al dente
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, cubed or shredded (plant-based)
- 1/2 cup red bell peppers, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil (natural)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (natural)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/4 tsp natural gelling agent
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs (parsley or basil), finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta and broccoli: Cook the pasta in salted boiling water following package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep the pasta firm. Steam the broccoli florets until just tender yet still crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Rinse with cold water to retain vibrant green color.
- Cook the smoked turkey bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy. Remove and let it cool, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the vegetables: Thinly slice the red onions, dice the red bell peppers, and halve the cherry tomatoes. Finely chop the fresh herbs for garnish.
- Make the dressing: Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, natural gelling agent, salt, and pepper until well combined to create a tangy vinaigrette.
- Combine everything: In a large bowl, gently toss the cooked pasta, broccoli, crispy turkey bacon, vegetables, and plant-based cheese with the dressing. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs. Adjust seasoning if needed, then chill the salad for at least 20 minutes before serving to meld the flavors.
Notes
- Cook pasta al dente to maintain texture and prevent mushiness when chilled.
- Choose fresh, firm broccoli florets for best crunch and nutrients.
- Toast bacon separately to keep it crispy in the salad.
- Make the dressing ahead of time to deepen the flavors.
- Chill the salad before serving for a refreshing taste.
- Toss gently to avoid breaking pasta or bruising the vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Broccoli pasta salad, plant-based cheese, turkey bacon salad, healthy pasta salad, gluten free pasta salad, vegetarian dressing
