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High Protein Italian Pasta Salad

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

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 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