why make this recipe
High-Protein Italian Pasta Salad is a tasty and nutritious dish perfect for any meal. It is filled with colorful vegetables, protein-rich chickpeas, and feta cheese. This salad is not only delicious but also easy to make, making it a great choice for a quick lunch, dinner, or potluck. Plus, it is refreshing and satisfying, which makes it great for warm days.
how to make High-Protein Italian Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (your choice)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, chickpeas, feta cheese, olives, and parsley.
- Drizzle with Italian dressing, and season with salt and pepper.
- Toss everything together until well combined.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for meal prep.
how to serve High-Protein Italian Pasta Salad
This pasta salad can be served cold or at room temperature. It makes a great side dish for grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own as a light meal. For extra flavor, add a bit more Italian dressing before serving.
how to store High-Protein Italian Pasta Salad
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for about 3 to 5 days. The flavors will blend over time, making it even more delicious when enjoyed the next day.
tips to make High-Protein Italian Pasta Salad
- Feel free to use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option.
- For extra protein, add cooked chicken or shrimp to the salad.
- Customize your vegetables based on what you have on hand.
variation
You can make this salad with different ingredients like spinach, arugula, or even add avocado for a creamier texture. Use any type of cheese you prefer, such as mozzarella or goat cheese, for a different flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use any type of pasta?
Yes, you can choose any pasta you like, such as rotini, penne, or fusilli.
2. Is this salad good for meal prep?
Absolutely! It stores well in the fridge, making it great for meal prep.
3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a few hours or even a day in advance. Just keep it chilled until serving.
High-Protein Italian Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A tasty and nutritious dish filled with colorful vegetables, protein-rich chickpeas, and feta cheese, perfect for warm days.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (your choice)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, chickpeas, feta cheese, olives, and parsley.
- Drizzle with Italian dressing, and season with salt and pepper.
- Toss everything together until well combined.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for meal prep.
Notes
Feel free to use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option. For extra protein, add cooked chicken or shrimp to the salad. Customize your vegetables based on what you have on hand.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Cold Serving
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg