High Protein Italian Pasta Salad

High Protein Italian Pasta Salad

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A delicious and healthy pasta salad packed with protein, featuring hearty ingredients and colorful vegetables, perfect for any meal or potluck.

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

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• 1 (8 oz) box of protein or chickpea rotini pasta
• 3/4 cup of Olive Garden light Italian dressing (192 g)
• 1/2 red onion (120 g), chopped
• 1 large bell pepper (170 g), chopped
• 1 medium cucumber (250 g), peeled and diced
• 1 (8 oz) package of smoked deli ham (224 g), chopped
• 1 (5 oz) package of turkey pepperoni (140 g), chopped
• 5 oz of light Italian dry salami (140 g), chopped
• 4 slices of ultra-thin provolone cheese, chopped
• 1/2 cup of feta cheese (56 g)
• Fresh basil, optional

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, salting the water generously. Cook until al dente.
2. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
3. Chop the red onion, bell pepper, and cucumber into small, even pieces.
4. Slice the smoked deli ham, turkey pepperoni, Italian dry salami, and provolone cheese into bite-sized pieces.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pasta, vegetables, meats, and cheeses. Add crumbled feta cheese.
6. Drizzle the light Italian dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
7. If using, add fresh basil and tear or chiffonade the leaves.
8. Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
9. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Notes

Make this salad ahead of time for enhanced flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Author: aymane-mouraigmail-com-2
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: High Protein

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: pasta salad, high protein, Italian salad, meal prep, potluck

why make this recipe

High Protein Italian Pasta Salad is not only delicious but also a healthy choice for those looking to boost their protein intake. This recipe combines hearty pasta, various meats, and colorful vegetables, creating a balanced dish that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or a potluck. It is easy to make, and you can prepare it ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy days!

how to make High Protein Italian Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 (8 oz) box of protein or chickpea rotini pasta, or any shape you like
• 3/4 cup of Olive Garden light Italian dressing (192 g)
• 1/2 red onion (120 g), chopped into small pieces
• 1 large bell pepper (red, yellow, or orange, 170 g), chopped
• 1 medium cucumber (250 g), peeled and diced
• 1 (8 oz) package of smoked deli ham (224 g), chopped
• 1 (5 oz) package of turkey pepperoni (140 g), chopped
• 5 oz of light Italian dry salami (140 g), chopped
• 4 slices of ultra-thin provolone cheese, chopped
• 1/2 cup of feta cheese (56 g)
• Fresh basil, optional

Directions:

1. Begin by cooking the chickpea or protein pasta according to the package directions. Make sure to salt the water generously for taste. Cook the pasta until it is al dente for that delicious, firm texture.
2. Once the pasta is done, drain it and rinse it under cold water. This helps cool the pasta and stops the cooking process.
3. While waiting for the pasta, chop your vegetables. Dice the red onion, bell pepper, and cucumber into small, even pieces. This will give consistent flavor and texture in every bite.
4. Next, slice the smoked deli ham, turkey pepperoni, Italian dry salami, and provolone cheese into bite-sized pieces. A good mix will blend flavors nicely.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pasta, vegetables, meats, and cheeses. Add the feta cheese, crumbling it gently as you combine everything for a delightful salty touch.
6. Drizzle the light Italian dressing over the ingredients. Use two large spoons to toss everything together, making sure each part gets coated in dressing.
7. If using, add fresh basil. Tear the leaves or chiffonade them to release their oils for a pleasing herbal note.
8. Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.
9. When ready, serve chilled and enjoy the wonderful combination of flavors and textures!

how to serve High Protein Italian Pasta Salad

Serve this salad chilled, either on its own or as a side dish. It pairs well with grilled meats or sandwiches. You can also add extra fresh herbs or a sprinkle of more feta cheese on top for a finishing touch.

how to store High Protein Italian Pasta Salad

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days. If the pasta absorbs too much dressing, you can add a little more dressing before serving again.

tips to make High Protein Italian Pasta Salad

• Make sure to taste the pasta while cooking to get the perfect al dente texture.
• Feel free to mix in other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or spinach for added nutrition.
• If you want to reduce calories, you can use less dressing or opt for a lower-calorie version.

variation

You can easily customize this pasta salad by changing the types of meats or cheese. For a vegetarian version, try substituting the meats with chickpeas or extra vegetables. You can also switch the dressing to a vinaigrette for a different flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld. You can prepare it a day in advance.

2. What other dressings can I use?
You can use any light dressing you like or even a homemade vinaigrette for a custom flavor.

3. Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It’s perfect for meal prep. Just store it in individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.