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High Protein Pasta Salad: A Delicious and Nutritious Recipe for Healthy Eating

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This High-Protein Pasta Salad is a colorful and nutritious dish featuring high-protein pasta, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing. Ideal for meal prep or as a refreshing side, it’s packed with flavor and can be customized with your choice of protein. Enjoy it chilled for a satisfying meal!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces high-protein pasta (such as chickpea or lentil pasta)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup bell pepper, diced (any color)
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced (or chickpeas for a vegetarian option)
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
  2. Add the high-protein pasta to the boiling water. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 7-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  3. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  4. Allow the pasta to drain completely and set it aside in a large mixing bowl.
  5. While the pasta is cooking, wash and chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion into uniform sizes.
  6. In the same large mixing bowl with the pasta, add the chopped cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion.
  7. If using cooked chicken breast, dice it into bite-sized pieces and add it to the bowl. For a vegetarian option, drain and rinse a can of chickpeas and add them instead.
  8. If using feta cheese, crumble it over the top of the salad mixture.
  9. Chop the fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the salad.
  10. In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  11. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined or shake in a sealed jar until emulsified.
  12. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning as needed.
  13. Drizzle the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture.
  14. Gently toss the salad until all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
  15. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  16. After chilling, give the salad a quick toss before serving.
  17. Garnish with additional parsley or feta cheese if desired.
  18. Serve as a main dish or side. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Notes

  • Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, arugula, or roasted zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
  • You can switch up the protein by using tofu, shrimp, or other cooked meats.

Find it online: https://softtasty.com/high-protein-pasta-salad/