Delicious Protein-Packed Pasta Salad Recipe

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This protein-packed pasta salad recipe will fill you up and increase your protein. It uses chickpea pasta, fresh veggies, and a homemade dressing. You get 11 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber in every serving. This makes it a tasty and healthy choice for your meals.

Why Choose Protein Pasta Salad?

Protein pasta salad is a great pick for a tasty, healthy meal. It gives you the energy you need for your busy day. It also supports your fitness goals. Let’s dive into why adding protein pasta salad to your meals is a good idea:

1. Benefits of Protein Pasta Salad

Looking to boost your protein? Protein pasta salad is a perfect choice. Chickpea pasta, which is gluten-free, is packed with more protein than regular noodles. Add in protein sources like chicken, turkey, or tofu. This mix will help your muscles and keep you full longer.

These ingredients also support weight control. Plus, they keep you feeling charged up all day.

2. High-Protein Meal Prep

Making protein pasta salad ahead is smart. It simplifies your food prep and gives you a tasty meal for the week. Spend some time cooking and assembling your salad. This way, you’re ready to eat well without reaching for junk food. It’s a great way to stay healthy, even on your busiest days.

3. Nutritious Pasta Salad

Protein pasta salad isn’t just about protein. It’s a complete meal with veggies, herbs, and other healthy items. Adding colorful vegetables provides vitamins and minerals. Choosing whole grain or legume-based pastas adds fiber for gut health. This mix of nutrients makes protein pasta salad a hearty, beneficial meal.

Protein pasta salad helps with fitness, a balanced diet, or just a delicious meal. It’s a choice that combines healthiness and taste. Let’s see how to make this amazing dish in the next part.

How to Make Protein Pasta Salad

Follow these simple steps for a tasty and nutritious protein pasta salad:

Step 1: Cook the Chickpea Pasta

Start by cooking 8 oz. of Barilla Chickpea Rotini pasta as the package says. Boil for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Be careful not to overcook, or it’ll get mushy.

After boiling, drain and rinse the pasta with cold water. Then, put it in a big mixing bowl to cool off.

Step 2: Prepare the Homemade Dressing

While the pasta cooks, mix up the dressing. Take a small bowl and whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 4 tbsp. of red wine vinegar, 1 tbsp. of Dijon mustard, 1 minced garlic clove, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Set this dressing aside for later.

Step 3: Chop the Vegetables and Herbs

Now, chop up your vegetables and herbs. Get ½ a cucumber, ½ a red bell pepper, 4 oz. of grape tomatoes, and ⅔ cup of olives ready. Also finely chop some fresh parsley and basil. Add all these to the pasta in the bowl.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

With everything ready, it’s time to make the salad. Pour the dressing over the pasta and veggies. Mix well to combine everything. Then, sprinkle ½ cup of feta cheese on top for extra flavor.

Step 5: Let It Chill

Put the salad in the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors blend and enhances the taste.

After chilling, the salad is ready to enjoy. It’s perfect as a main dish or side. Pair it with grilled chicken, sausage, or beans for more protein.

Check out these recipe sources for more ideas:

• OhSnapMacros – High Protein Pasta Salad
• The Balanced Nutritionist – High Protein
• Coined Cuisine – Mediterranean Pasta Salad with

Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If it gets dry, a bit of olive oil can freshen it up.

This protein pasta salad has 245 calories per serving. Each serving has 11 grams of protein, 26 grams of carbs, and 12 grams of fat. It’s perfect for a balanced diet, is gluten-free, and can be made dairy-free without the cheese.

Add different toppings like grilled chicken or ham to mix it up. Feel free to try various vinegars in the dressing too. Enjoy it at home or as a great meal prep option for the week.

Conclusion

Protein pasta salad is a tasty and healthy choice for adding more protein to your meals. You can enjoy it as a filling lunch, a side at summer BBQs, or as a meal prep option.

Using protein pasta and fresh veggies makes the salad delicious and satisfying. A flavorful dressing ties all the elements together. This makes the salad a hit at any event.

Why not make this protein-rich pasta salad? It’s tasty, easy, and good for you. Try it out for a meal that’s both enjoyable and nourishing.