BLT Pasta Salad Jars
These BLT pasta salad jars are loaded with protein-packed crispy tempeh bacon for smoky and savory flavor, chickpea pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, and chopped arugula tossed in a zesty sunflower seed jalapeno mayo dressing. A delightful twist on the classic pasta salad. Perfect for meal prep, a barbecue party or as a side with your main course.
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Why You’ll This Love BLT Pasta Salad Jars Recipe
Packed with Flavor: The combination of seasoned and cooked-to-perfection smoky tempeh bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, arugula, and zesty sunflower seed jalapeno mayo creates a symphony of flavors in every bite.
Versatile: Customize the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Add avocado, swap the tempeh bacon with your favorite protein, or experiment with different dressings. The possibilities are endless!
Meal Prep Friendly: These salad jars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Simply assemble the jars, seal them tightly, and enjoy hassle-free meals throughout the week. Give the jar a gentle shake before enjoying the well-combined flavors and textures.
Portable: Assembled in portable jars, they are perfect for busy individuals who need a quick and nourishing meal on the go.
Nutritious and Filling: With protein-packed chickpea pasta, nutrient-rich arugula, and the goodness of protein rich tempeh, these salad jars provide a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Healthy: The BLT Pasta Salad Jars offer a healthier twist on the classic BLT sandwich. These salad jars substitute traditional bacon with tempeh making it a guilt-free meal for vegans without compromising on flavors.
How to make BLT Pasta Salad Jars
Cook Chickpea Pasta
First, boil water and cook your chickpea pasta to al dente perfection, ensuring a satisfying bite. Once cooked, run it under cold water to cool it down.
Prepare Smoky Tempeh Marinade
In the meantime, prepare your tempeh bacon marinade in a small container. Mix to combine.
Cook Seasoned Tempeh
Chop your tempeh into bite-sized pieces and toss in the marinade until coated well. Add your tempeh to a pan and cook for 5-7 minutes until crispy.
Make sunflower seed jalapeno dressing!
Make your sunflower seed jalapeno dressing in a small blender. Add water as needed until you reach your desired consistency, and season with salt to taste.
Prepare Veggies
Half your cherry tomatoes, finely slice your red onions, and roughly chop your arugula.
Assemble BLT Pasta Salad Jars
Assemble your salad jars with the dressing at the bottom, followed by the chickpea pasta, tempeh bacon, cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and lastly, the arugula at the top.
Serve & Store
Store in the fridge for up to 5 days and enjoy! Give it a good shake before serving.
Recipe Tips for BLT Pasta Salad Jars
- Use a wide-mouth mason jar to make your salad jar so you can easily remove it from the container along with all of the yummy dressing! You can also use a regular container.
- Add in other veggies of your choice: Add avocados for a creamy twist; consider adding sliced avocado to your salad jars. Avocado adds a velvety texture and provides healthy fats and additional nutrients.
- Add in your favorite greens: I used arugula, but you can also use mixed greens or romaine lettuce.
- Extra Crunch: For a crunchy twist and added nutrition, add some toasted pine nuts or chopped almonds on top of the arugula layer.
Storage Tip for BLT Pasta Salad Jars
You can store these pasta salad jars for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Allergies/Substitutions:
- Swap tempeh: While tempeh bacon adds a delicious smoky flavor, you can substitute it with crispy tofu or seitan.
- Swap chickpea pasta: use another legume pasta such as lentil or edamame pasta. You can also use whole wheat, although there will not be as much protein.
- Make it soy free! You can swap the tofu for chickpeas or another legume and increase the amount of chickpea pasta to increase the protein content! Make sure to use soy-free soy sauce as well!
- Make it gluten-free! This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use a gluten-free soy sauce such as tamari.
- Swap the sunflower seeds for cashews for a creamy mayo dressing or hemp seeds for a nutty and earthy flavor!
- Swap jalapeno in the dressing! Use any herbs of your choice such as dill, parsley or cilantro!
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BLT Pasta Salad Jars
Ingredients
For Pasta Salad
- 250 g chickpea pasta
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 6 cups chopped arugula
- 1/2 red onion finely sliced
For the Tempeh Bacon
- 1 package tempeh 227g
- 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- ½ tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Sunflower Seed Jalapeno Mayo
- ⅓ cup sunflower seeds
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 jalapeno with seeds removed
- ½ clove garlic
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- ¼-½ tsp salt to taste
- 1-2 tbsp water
Instructions
- First, boil your water and cook your chickpea pasta. Once cooked, run under cold water until cool.
- In the meantime, prepare your tempeh bacon marinade in a small container. Mix to combine.
- Chop your tempeh into bite-sized pieces and toss in the marinade. Add your tempeh to a pan and cook for 5-7 minutes until crispy.
- Make your sunflower seed jalapeno dressing in a small blender. Add water as needed until you reach your desired consistency, and season with salt to taste.
- Half your cherry tomatoes, finely slice your red onions, and roughly chop your arugula.
- Assemble your salad jars with the dressing at the bottom, followed by the chickpea pasta, tempeh bacon, cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and lastly, the arugula at the top.
- Store in the fridge for up to 5 days and enjoy!