Creamy Whole Wheat Pasta Salad Bowl
This creamy whole wheat pasta salad is the ultimate combo of hearty, fresh, and just the right amount of indulgent. With crispy turkey bacon, creamy avocado, cherry tomatoes and a dreamy dressing, it’s the kind of bowl you’ll keep coming back to!
Let’s talk about pasta salad. But not just any pasta salad—this Creamy Whole Wheat Pasta Salad is the one you’ll want on repeat.
It’s a mouthwatering take on a Pasta Salad that’s packed with crispy turkey bacon, creamy avocado, and all the good stuff.
It’s got that perfect balance of rich, creamy, and fresh, making it the ultimate side dish— or honestly, even a main meal if you’re in the mood for something hearty but not too heavy.
It might just steal the show at your next cookout or meal prep lineup.
You know when a dish is so good that you keep sneaking bites straight from the bowl? Yeah, this is that kind of recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Pasta Salad
Here’s the thing—this isn’t your average mayo-laden, one-note pasta salad.
We’re elevating things with whole wheat penne, giving you that hearty, nutty bite that holds up beautifully to a creamy dressing.
Toss in juicy cherry tomatoes, crispy crumbled turkey bacon, creamy diced avocado, crunchy romaine lettuce, and a pop of sharp red onion, and you’ve got a salad with layers of flavor and texture.
Oh, and let’s not forget a little sprinkle of fresh parsley to finish things off—it’s like the cherry on top, but, you know, herbier.
Ingredients:
● 10 oz whole wheat penne pasta
● 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
● 4 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
● 1 avocado, diced
● 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
● 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
● 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Dressing:
● 1/2 cup mayo
● 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
● 1 tbsp lemon juice
● 1 garlic clove, minced
● Salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the whole wheat penne according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2. Make the Dressing – In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning as needed.
3. Assemble the Salad – In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled turkey bacon, diced avocado, chopped romaine, and sliced red onion.
4. Toss it Together – Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss everything until evenly coated.
5. Garnish & Serve – Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately, or let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. (Trust me, it gets even better after a little time to sit.)
Serving Suggestions
This pasta salad is the ultimate side dish, but it can totally hold its own as a main, too.
Pair it with grilled chicken for extra protein, or serve it alongside some crusty bread because, well, carbs. Need to meal prep?
This salad keeps well in the fridge for about two days—just hold off on adding the avocado until right before serving to keep it fresh.
Final Thoughts
Pasta salad doesn’t have to be boring or overly heavy. This Creamy Whole Wheat Pasta Salad is the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, smoky, and fresh.
It’s one of those dishes that works for pretty much any occasion—BBQs, potlucks, lunches, or even just an easy weeknight meal.
So go ahead, grab a fork (or let’s be real, eat it straight from the bowl with a spoon), and dig in.
Frequently Asked Questions
● Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Add the avocado right before serving so it doesn’t brown.
● Can I use regular pasta instead of whole wheat?
Of course! Use whatever pasta you have on hand. The whole wheat just adds a nice nuttiness and extra fiber.
● What if I don’t like mayo?
No problem! Swap it out for Greek yogurt or a mix of yogurt and a splash of olive oil for a lighter dressing.
● Can I add protein?
Yep! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even some chickpeas would be great additions to make this even more filling.
And that’s it! A ridiculously easy, flavor-packed pasta salad that’ll keep you coming back for more. Let me know how you customize yours!
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