Vegan Tangy Tomato BLT Pasta Salad

Introduction

Welcome to our in-depth guide on preparing Vegan Tangy Tomato BLT Pasta Salad—a vibrant and satisfying plant-based twist on the classic BLT sandwich, reimagined as a refreshing pasta salad. This dish combines the tangy zest of tomatoes with the savory richness of vegan bacon and crisp lettuce, all tossed with pasta and a zesty dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a delightful weeknight meal, this recipe delivers on flavor, nutrition, and ease.

Ingredients

For the Pasta Salad:

  • 8 ounces (225 grams) elbow macaroni (or your preferred pasta shape, use gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 1/2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes (halved)
  • 1 cup vegan bacon bits (store-bought or homemade, see tips)
  • 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
  • 1/2 cup diced cucumber (optional, for added crunch)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

For the Tangy Tomato Dressing:

  • 1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or agave nectar for a different sweetener)
  • 1 garlic clove (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2-3 tablespoons water (to thin the dressing if needed)

Instructions

Cooking the Pasta:

  1. Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Add 8 ounces of elbow macaroni to the boiling water. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  3. Drain and Cool: Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside.

Preparing the Salad Ingredients:

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, halve 1 1/2 cups of cherry or grape tomatoes. Dice 1/4 cup of red onion finely. If using, dice 1/2 cup of cucumber for extra crunch. Chop 2 cups of romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Chop Fresh Herbs: Finely chop 1/4 cup each of fresh basil and parsley. These herbs will add a fresh, aromatic flavor to the salad.
  3. Cook Vegan Bacon Bits: If using homemade vegan bacon bits, prepare them according to your recipe or package instructions. If using store-bought, simply measure out 1 cup.

Making the Tangy Tomato Dressing:

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise, 1/4 cup tomato paste, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon maple syrup.
  2. Add Spices: Stir in 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano. Mix well until the ingredients are fully combined.
  3. Adjust Consistency: If the dressing is too thick, gradually add 2-3 tablespoons of water, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. The dressing should be creamy but not too thick.
  4. Season: Taste the dressing and adjust salt and black pepper to your preference.

Assembling the Salad:

  1. Combine Pasta and Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, diced cucumber (if using), and chopped lettuce.
  2. Add Fresh Herbs and Bacon: Gently fold in the fresh basil, parsley, and vegan bacon bits.
  3. Dress the Salad: Pour the tangy tomato dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing.
  4. Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This step also helps the salad to chill and the pasta to absorb some of the dressing.

Serving:

  1. Serve: After chilling, give the salad a gentle toss and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve cold as a refreshing side dish or a light main course.
  2. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with additional fresh herbs or a sprinkle of vegan parmesan cheese if desired.

Useful Information and Tips

Ingredient Notes:

  1. Pasta Choice: You can use any pasta shape for this recipe, including gluten-free options. Whole wheat pasta can also be used for added nutrition.
  2. Vegan Bacon Bits: Store-bought vegan bacon bits are convenient, but homemade versions made from seasoned tofu or tempeh can be used for a more personalized flavor.
  3. Tomato Paste: Tomato paste adds depth to the dressing. Ensure it’s well incorporated for a smooth consistency.
  4. Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs are crucial for the vibrant flavor of the salad. If fresh herbs are not available, you can use dried herbs but reduce the quantity.

Cooking Tips:

  1. Pasta Cooking: To avoid overcooking the pasta, check it a minute or two before the package’s suggested time. Pasta should be firm to the bite.
  2. Cooling Pasta: Rinsing the pasta under cold water helps stop the cooking process and prevents the pasta from becoming mushy.
  3. Mixing: When mixing the salad, be gentle to avoid breaking the pasta or vegetables. Fold the ingredients together rather than stirring vigorously.
  4. Chilling Time: Allowing the salad to chill gives the flavors time to meld together and enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Storage and Reheating:

  1. Storage: Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  2. Refrigeration: The salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. The flavors often improve after a day.
  3. Avoid Freezing: This salad is best enjoyed fresh and is not suitable for freezing due to the pasta and fresh vegetables.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, based on 6 servings)

  • Calories: 270
  • Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4g
  • Net Carbohydrates: 31g
  • Sugars: 6g
  • Protein: 6g

SmartPoints (WW Points)

  • SmartPoints Value: 6 points per serving (based on standard WW guidelines; values may vary depending on specific ingredients used).

Additional Tips:

  1. Flavor Enhancements: Add other vegetables such as bell peppers or olives for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also include a sprinkle of vegan cheese for a richer taste.
  2. Serving Suggestions: This pasta salad pairs well with grilled vegetables, a side of fresh fruit, or a light soup for a complete meal.
  3. Customization: Adjust the tanginess of the dressing by adding more or less apple cider vinegar based on your preference. For a spicier kick, incorporate a dash of hot sauce.
  4. Meal Prep: This salad is ideal for meal prep. Prepare it in advance for quick and easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Conclusion

Our Vegan Tangy Tomato BLT Pasta Salad is a delightful and nourishing dish that offers a fresh take on the traditional BLT. With detailed instructions and helpful tips, this guide ensures you can create a flavorful and satisfying pasta salad that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the tangy tomato dressing and vibrant ingredients in every bite!