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Creamy Pasta Salad

Creamy Pasta Salad

  • Author: Brian
  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Creamy Pasta Salad with smoked turkey bacon and plant-based cheese is a vibrant and comforting dish that combines smoky, cheesy, and fresh flavors. Perfectly balanced with a smooth, tangy dressing and crisp vegetables, this salad is ideal for picnics, family dinners, or an easy lunch. The make-ahead recipe enhances the flavors as they meld overnight, delivering a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Protein

  • 250g fusilli or rotini pasta
  • 150g smoked turkey bacon
  • 100g plant-based cheese, cubed

Fresh Vegetables and Herbs

  • 150g cherry tomatoes, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Dressing

  • 120g natural mayonnaise (plant-based)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
  • 1 tablespoon natural mustard
  • 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the fusilli or rotini in salted water until just al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Set aside in a colander to drain completely without becoming mushy.
  2. Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon: While the pasta cooks, crisp the smoked turkey bacon in a frying pan until nicely browned and crumbly. Let cool, then chop into bite-size pieces for even mixing throughout the salad.
  3. Chop Fresh Ingredients: Dice the cherry tomatoes and celery stalks, chop the fresh parsley, and slice the plant-based cheese into small cubes. These fresh components add texture and vibrant color.
  4. Make the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine the natural mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, natural mustard, salt, pepper, and natural gelling agent. Whisk until the dressing is smooth, creamy, and perfectly blended.
  5. Combine Everything: Transfer the cooled pasta to a large bowl. Gently fold in the chopped smoked turkey bacon, cheese cubes, cherry tomatoes, celery, and parsley. Pour the dressing over the mixture and stir carefully until all ingredients are coated evenly.
  6. Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and the dressing to soak into the pasta. Serve cold or at room temperature for the best texture and taste.

Notes

  • Cook pasta just until al dente for the best texture that resists becoming mushy.
  • Rinse pasta under cold water after cooking to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
  • Use fresh, quality ingredients, especially for the natural mayonnaise and vegetables.
  • Refrigerate the salad before serving to enrich the flavor and texture.
  • Adjust salt, pepper, and vinegar levels according to personal taste preference.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: No cooking method required other than boiling and frying
  • Cuisine: International

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: creamy pasta salad, plant-based cheese salad, smoked turkey bacon salad, easy pasta salad, picnic salad, make-ahead salad

Find it online: https://puretastekitchen.com/creamy-pasta-salad/