Vegan tangy Tomato BLT Pasta Salad is a light & delicious combination of smoky vegan bacon, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes & pasta with a creamy tangy tomato dressing. It tastes like a BLT sandwich, but cold and plant-based pasta. The dressing is creamy & tangy, but the smoked paprika gives it additional flavor. It is feasible to prepare it in advance of parties/cooking. Eat it chilled as a refreshing snack/unmelted at room temperature to be a creamier snack. Vegan tangy Tomato BLT Pasta Salad is a simple yet happy dish- both casual & special occasion friendly.
STATS
- Diet: Vegan
- Course: Salad / Main
- Cuisine: American
- Time for prep: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
- Working time (total): 30 minutes
- Size/serving: 1 bowl per serving
- Total yield: 6 servings
- Mode of cooking: Boiling & pan-frying
- Level of difficulty: Easy
EQUIPMENT
- Large pot for pasta
- Colander
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl for dressing
- Frying pan
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Whisk
INGREDIENTS
- 12 ounces of pasta (penne, fusilli/rotini)
- Two cups of chopped romaine lettuce
- One little red onion, cut thinly
- Half a cup of vegan mayo
- Two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons of tomato paste
- One spoonful of maple syrup
- Two cups of cherry tomatoes
- A teaspoon of Dijon mustard
- Half a teaspoon of powdered garlic
- A half-teaspoon of paprika salt
- One cup of cooked & chopped vegan bacon
- To taste, add salt & black pepper
INGREDIENT NOTES
Pasta:
- Short pasta is good at holding dressing. Whole grain/gluten-free pasta will also do.
Vegan bacon:
- You can use vegetable bacon (homemade/bought in the store).
To taste a BLT, it is essential to have a smoky flavor.
Tomatoes:
- Sweet & juicy are the cherry tomatoes/grapes. Newer ones crisp up the flavour.
Lettuce:
- Romaine crispy & stays. Popular greens should be avoided that wilt quickly.
Onion:
- Red onion lends a sharp bite & color. Take cold water to soften the taste.
Vegan mayonnaise:
- Opt for creamy, mild mayonnaise with good mixing qualities.
Apple cider vinegar:
- Adds tang & even out the creamy dressing.
Tomato paste:
- This will add richness & flavour of tomatoes.
Maple syrup:
- Has a well-balanced acidic-sweet taste.
Spices:
- Garlic powder goes into the BLT with smoked paprika on top, not to dominate.
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Pasta should be cooked as directed on the package till it is al dente.
- Rinse with cold water after draining.
- Put aside.
- Over medium heat, heat the frying pan.
- Cook the vegan bacon while it’s crispy.
- After transferring to a plate, let it cool somewhat.
- Blend all items in a small bowl & stir till smooth.
- Pasta, vegan bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, & onion should all be combined in a big bowl.
- Drizzle the salad with the dressing.
- Mix till evenly distributed.
- If necessary, taste & adjust the seasoning.
- For optimal flavor, serve right away freezer for an hour before distributing.
TIPS
- To keep the lettuce crisp, chill the pasta completely, then add the lettuce.
- Cream it with avocado chunks, just before serving.
- To make it healthier, use air-fried tempeh bacon.
- Make ahead & keep lettuce on the side till just before serving.
STORAGE INFORMATION:
Refrigerate:
- Preserve for at least for two days in a tightly closed jar. If preserving lettuce for a longer period, keep it apart.
Freezer:
- Not advised. After thawing, the texture of the pasta & lettuce is lost, & the dressing may separate.
FAQs
Could I get this gluten-free?
- Eat gluten-free pasta, & read the ingredients.
May I make it oil-free?
- Apply oil-free vegan mayo/mix silken tofu with flavors to be used as dressing.
How long does it take?
- It stores in a fridge for the next two days. Lettuce can go malleable.
May I substitute another vinegar?
- White wine vinegar and lemon juice will also work, however they may taste slightly different.
Am I permitted to add additional vegetables?
- Why sure, bell peppers, cucumbers/corn provide crunch & sweetness.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Calories: 310
Carbs: 42g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: 560mg
Sugar: 6g
Iron: 2mg
Calcium: 40mg
