High Protein Italian Pasta Salad

why make this recipe

High Protein Italian Pasta Salad is a fantastic meal choice for anyone looking for a quick, nutritious dish. This salad is packed with protein from the pasta and meats, making it filling and energizing. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a picnic. Plus, it combines colorful veggies and tasty ingredients, bringing vibrant flavors to your plate.

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 a good flavor. Cook until al dente for the perfect texture. Once done, drain and rinse under cold water to cool the pasta.

   
   
2. 
   

   While waiting for the pasta, chop your vegetables. Dice the red onion, bell pepper, and cucumber into small, even pieces. This helps with consistency in taste and texture across every bite.

   
   
3. 
   

   Next, slice the smoked deli ham, turkey pepperoni, Italian dry salami, and provolone cheese into bite-sized pieces. This mix will create a balanced blend of flavors.

   
   
4. 
   

   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped veggies, meats, and cheeses. Add the feta cheese, crumbling it gently for even distribution.

   
   
5. 
   

   Drizzle the light Italian dressing over the mixture. Using two large spoons, toss everything together so all the ingredients are nicely coated.

   
   
6. 
   

   If you like, add fresh basil. Tear the leaves or chiffonade them to release their delicious aroma.

   
   
7. 
   

   Let the salad rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the flavors to mix and enhance the overall taste. Serve chilled and enjoy the delightful combination of textures and flavors!

   
   

how to serve High Protein Italian Pasta Salad

Serve High Protein Italian Pasta Salad in a large bowl or individual plates. It’s great for sharing at gatherings or for meal prep throughout the week. Add some extra fresh basil or a sprinkle of parmesan on top for a finishing touch!

how to store High Protein Italian Pasta Salad

Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If it thickens, just add a bit more dressing when you serve it again.

tips to make High Protein Italian Pasta Salad

• For added crunch, consider including some sliced olives or cherry tomatoes.
• To make it even healthier, you can add more veggies like spinach or arugula.
• Adjust the amount of dressing to your taste preference for a lighter or richer flavor.

variation (if any)

You can change the protein sources by using grilled chicken or shrimp instead of processed meats. For a vegetarian option, skip the meats and add more beans or nuts for protein!

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like! Just ensure it’s cooked according to the package instructions.

2. Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad keeps well in the fridge and can be made in advance for lunches or dinners throughout the week.

3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, making it a few hours or even a day in advance allows all the flavors to meld together, enhancing the taste.

High Protein Italian Pasta Salad

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

A nutritious and quick pasta salad packed with protein and vibrant flavors, perfect for any meal or picnic.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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 chickpea or protein pasta according to the package directions in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. Chop the vegetables: dice the red onion, bell pepper, and cucumber into small, even pieces.
3. Slice the smoked deli ham, turkey pepperoni, Italian dry salami, and provolone cheese into bite-sized pieces.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped veggies, meats, and cheeses. Add the crumbled feta cheese.
5. Drizzle the light Italian dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well coated.
6. Add fresh basil if desired, tearing leaves to release their aroma.
7. Let the salad rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavors. Serve chilled.

Notes

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If it thickens, add more dressing when serving.

• 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: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: pasta salad, high protein, Italian, meal prep, quick recipes