This Vegan BLT Pasta Salad is a refreshing and hearty dish that’s perfect for any summer gathering! Featuring tempeh Turkey Bacon, fresh cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado, and peppery arugula, this salad stands out with its vibrant flavors and textures. Whether it’s a BBQ, picnic, or potluck, this easy-to-make pasta salad will be a hit with everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This Vegan BLT Pasta Salad comes together in just 35 minutes. Perfect for busy days!
- Flavor-Packed: Enjoy rich flavors from the creamy dressing and savory tempeh Turkey Bacon that make every bite delightful.
- Versatile Dish: Great as a side or main dish, it can be served warm or cold to suit your preference.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables and plant-based proteins for a nutritious meal.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings; it’s vegan-friendly and loved by all!
Tools and Preparation
No special tools are required for this recipe, but having the right kitchen equipment can make your cooking experience smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Necessary for boiling pasta efficiently without overcrowding.
- Skillet: Perfect for sautéing tempeh Turkey Bacon until it’s crispy and flavorful.
- Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining all ingredients without making a mess.
Ingredients
To create this delicious Vegan BLT Pasta Salad, gather the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup vegan mayo
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp cilantro (chopped)
- 1 tbsp parsley (chopped)
- salt & pepper (to taste)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 6 oz tempeh Turkey Bacon (diced)
- 12 oz short pasta (I used cavatappi)
- 12 oz cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 large avocado (chopped)
- 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 cups arugula
How to Make Vegan BLT Pasta Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Combine all of the dressing ingredients in a mixing bowl. Stir well to combine. Taste and adjust salt & pepper as needed. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Step 2: Cook the Tempeh Turkey Bacon
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced tempeh Turkey Bacon and cook until browned, stirring frequently. Once cooked, transfer to a bowl and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the short pasta and cook according to package instructions. Drain the pasta once it’s al dente and rinse under cold water to cool it down.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with halved cherry tomatoes, chopped avocado, sliced red onion, arugula, cooked tempeh Turkey Bacon, and your prepared dressing. Toss everything together gently until well combined. Optionally, top with additional pepper before serving.
Serve this Vegan BLT Pasta Salad at room temperature or chilled for an even refreshing taste! Enjoy!
How to Serve Vegan BLT Pasta Salad
This Vegan BLT Pasta Salad is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Whether it’s at a summer BBQ or a picnic, it pairs well with many flavors and presentations.
Individual Bowls
- Perfect for portion control and easy serving. Just scoop the salad into bowls and offer extra dressing on the side.
Family Style
- Serve in a large bowl for everyone to share. This creates a communal atmosphere, perfect for gatherings.
With Fresh Greens
- Add a bed of mixed greens or arugula underneath the pasta salad for added color and texture. It enhances presentation and freshness.
As a Side Dish
- Pair this salad with grilled vegetables or plant-based burgers. It complements hearty dishes beautifully.
At Room Temperature
- This salad is delicious whether served cold or at room temperature, making it ideal for make-ahead meals.
How to Perfect Vegan BLT Pasta Salad
To achieve the best results with your Vegan BLT Pasta Salad, consider these helpful tips.
- Use al dente pasta – Cooking your pasta until just firm helps maintain texture and prevents sogginess in the salad.
- Chill before serving – Allowing the salad to chill in the fridge enhances flavor as the ingredients meld together.
- Adjust seasoning – Taste your dressing after mixing and tweak salt and pepper according to preference for optimal flavor.
- Try different veggies – Feel free to add seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for added crunch and nutrition.
- Make it ahead – Prepare the salad a day in advance. The flavors will intensify, making it even more delicious.
- Garnish creatively – Top with fresh herbs or additional spices, such as red pepper flakes, to elevate presentation and taste.
Best Side Dishes for Vegan BLT Pasta Salad
Pairing side dishes with your Vegan BLT Pasta Salad can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Grilled Vegetable Skewers – Colorful skewers of zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms offer smoky flavors that complement the pasta salad.
- Crispy Sweet Potato Fries – These provide a satisfying crunch alongside the creamy pasta salad; bake them for convenience.
- Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad with lemon vinaigrette adds protein and balances out the meal nicely.
- Roasted Chickpeas – Crunchy roasted chickpeas seasoned with spices make a great snack-like side that pairs well with salads.
- Stuffed Avocado Halves – Fill avocado halves with bean salsa or chickpea salad for a creamy, nutritious side option.
- Fruit Platter – A vibrant platter of seasonal fruits provides refreshing sweetness that contrasts beautifully with savory flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the Vegan BLT Pasta Salad, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Skipping the Dressing: The dressing is key for flavor. Make sure to mix it well and taste before serving; adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Overcooking the Pasta: Follow the package instructions carefully. Overcooked pasta can become mushy in the salad, so aim for al dente.
- Neglecting Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes and arugula enhance flavor and texture. Use fresh produce for the best results.
- Not Allowing Chill Time: Letting the salad chill helps meld the flavors. If you serve it right away, consider refrigerating for at least 30 minutes.
- Forgetting About Texture: Ensure a mix of textures by including creamy avocado and crispy tempeh Turkey Bacon. This balance makes each bite enjoyable.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Best consumed within 3-5 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Vegan BLT Pasta Salad
- Not recommended to freeze due to avocado and mayo texture changes upon thawing.
Reheating Vegan BLT Pasta Salad
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Heat covered for about 15 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a pan, stirring gently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vegan BLT Pasta Salad?
Vegan BLT Pasta Salad is a refreshing dish made with short pasta, tempeh Turkey Bacon, fresh veggies, and a creamy dressing that mimics traditional flavors without any animal products.
Can I customize the ingredients in my Vegan BLT Pasta Salad?
Absolutely! You can add your favorite vegetables or swap out the tempeh Turkey Bacon for other plant-based proteins like chickpeas or tofu.
How do I make a gluten-free version of Vegan BLT Pasta Salad?
Simply use gluten-free pasta instead of traditional short pasta. The rest of the ingredients remain the same!
What can I serve with Vegan BLT Pasta Salad?
This salad pairs well with grilled vegetables, sandwiches, or as part of a picnic spread.
Final Thoughts
The Vegan BLT Pasta Salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish perfect for summer gatherings or meal prep. Its versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite ingredients while still capturing that classic BLT essence. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!
Vegan BLT Pasta Salad
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of our Vegan BLT Pasta Salad, a refreshing dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings or meal prepping. This colorful salad features hearty tempeh Turkey Bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado, and peppery arugula, all tossed together with a luscious vegan dressing.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup vegan mayo
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 6 oz tempeh Turkey Bacon (diced)
- 12 oz short pasta (cavatappi)
- 12 oz cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 large avocado (chopped)
- 2 cups arugula
- salt & pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing by combining vegan mayo, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Stir well and refrigerate.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the diced tempeh Turkey Bacon in olive oil until browned. Set aside.
- Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and cool under cold water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta with cherry tomatoes, avocado, arugula, cooked tempeh Turkey Bacon, and the prepared dressing. Toss gently to combine.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cook/Boiling
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg