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High Protein Italian Pasta Salad

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
  • 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