QUINOA PASTA BLT SALAD

Quinoa Pasta BLT Salad image

This is a slightly healthier version of a BLT pasta salad. The quinoa pasta adds protein and is a healthier choice. A pound of cooked and drained bacon can be substituted for the real bacon bits for special occasions or if unconcerned about the fat grams!

Provided by grampnana

Categories Salad Pasta Salad Tomato Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 45m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

1 (8 ounce) package quinoa shells pasta
¾ cup light creamy salad dressing (such as Miracle Whip Light®)
¾ cup bacon ranch dressing
2 cups shredded lettuce
1 large tomato, seeded and chopped
1 cucumber, seeded and chopped
3 green onions, trimmed and chopped
1 (3 ounce) can real bacon bits

Steps:

Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Stir in shells and return to a boil. Cook pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 6 minutes. Drain. Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate until cool, about 20 minutes.
Combine creamy salad dressing and bacon ranch dressing in a large bowl. Mix in cooled pasta, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, green onions, and bacon bits. Refrigerate until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 373.6 calories, Carbohydrate 35.4 g, Cholesterol 19.9 mg, Fat 20.7 g, Fiber 3.1 g, Protein 11.4 g, SaturatedFat 3.6 g, Sodium 781 mg, Sugar 3.6 g