Easy Protein Pasta Salad Recipe

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Are you in the mood for a meal that’s both tasty and full of protein and fiber? Try out our easy protein pasta salad recipe. It’s packed with nutrition and can be made in just 20 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a refreshing side dish at your next party.

The main players in this salad are chickpea pasta and chicken, giving you lots of protein. Chickpea pasta is a top choice for more protein. And chicken boosts the protein even more, making this dish extra nutritious.

Our homemade dressing makes the salad taste amazing. It has white wine vinegar, olive oil, honey, parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This dressing can be kept separately for up to 5 days, ensuring fresh flavors every time you eat the salad.

This recipe is also very versatile. Want it vegetarian? Just leave out the chicken and add edamame or black beans. You can also switch up the dressing with other vinegars to suit your taste.

Each serving of this salad has 598 calories, 53g carbs, 47g protein, and 25g fat. Plus, you get 11 grams of fiber for even more health benefits.

Ready to make this delicious salad? Give it a try and enjoy a fulfilling meal. For more ideas, check recipes from The Balanced Nutritionist, Coined Cuisine, and The Cheap Lazy Vegan.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Creating a delicious and nutritious protein pasta salad starts with the right ingredients. Chickpea pasta is the main ingredient. It gives a great pasta feel and adds more protein than ordinary noodles. Bell peppers, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onions add color and crunch. These also bring essential vitamins and minerals to the dish.

The recipe includes feta cheese for a burst of flavor. If you avoid dairy, leave the cheese out or use a dairy-free option. This makes the salad fit for both gluten-free and dairy-free diets.

The salad dressing combines extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dijon mustard, and salt and pepper. These create a tangy and zesty blend. It goes great with the vegetables and pasta.

The recipe suggests ways to add more protein and veggies. You can put in grilled chicken, ham, sausage, or even beans and eggs. Use whatever vegetables you have, allowing for creativity.

If you have special diet needs, this recipe is easy to adjust. It can be made gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, or nut-free. Just swap or skip certain ingredients as needed.

Summary of Ingredients:

With these ingredient options, you can make a protein pasta salad that fits your tastes and dietary needs.

Are you ready to try some new recipes? Check out these great ones: ohsnapmacros.com, nourishedbynic.com, and dishingouthealth.com.

Preparation and Serving Tips

Start by cooking the pasta as the package suggests. Aim to slightly undercook it to keep it from getting mushy. As the pasta cooks, mix olive oil, red wine vinegar, dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper for the dressing.

After cooking and draining the pasta, cool it with cold water. Then, add it to a large bowl. Mix in chopped veggies, herbs, cheese, and your dressing well.

Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together.

Serve this salad cold or at room temperature, based on what you like. To add more protein, top it with grilled chicken, ham, sausage, beans, or eggs. This dish is flexible, fitting various tastes and dietary needs.

Conclusion

This easy protein pasta salad recipe is a great choice for a healthy meal. It’s both delicious and satisfying. You can change it up to match what you like to eat. With chickpea pasta, fresh veggies, and a homemade dressing, it’s packed with protein.

Looking for something quick for meal prep or a dish for a summer BBQ? This protein pasta salad recipe is perfect. It’s easy to make and can be made ahead of time. This makes it great for anyone who’s busy. The mix of fresh veggies and protein-filled chickpea pasta is both tasty and nutritious.

Why not try it out? Make this delicious and healthy protein pasta salad. Enjoy a satisfying and flavorful meal that keeps you full all day!