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.
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:
Key Ingredients
Substitutions
Chickpea Pasta
Alternative gluten-free pasta
Vegetables (bell peppers, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onions)
Any combination of preferred vegetables
Feta Cheese
Dairy-free cheese alternative or omit entirely
Extra-virgin Olive Oil
Any healthy oil of choice
Red Wine Vinegar
White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
Dijon Mustard
Any preferred mustard
With these ingredient options, you can make a protein pasta salad that fits your tastes and dietary needs.
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!
FAQ
Can I make substitutions in this protein pasta salad recipe?
Yes, you can switch up the noodles or veggies to suit your taste.
How long should I let the protein pasta salad sit in the refrigerator before serving?
You should chill the salad for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors blend together.
Can I serve this protein pasta salad warm?
Yes, you can enjoy the salad cold or at room temp. It’s up to you.
How can I add more protein to this salad?
Add grilled chicken, ham, sausage, black beans, or hard-boiled eggs for more protein.
Views: 3Make yummy and healthy salads full of protein for meal prep or on-the-go. These jar salad ideas are rich with good stuff. They taste great and make you feel good with every bite. Want to eat more protein easily? Try these jar salad recipes. They mix veggies, grains, and proteins. These salads are tasty…
Views: 1In this section, we dive into tasty high protein pasta recipes. They’re great for those who love staying fit and flavors. Are you bored with the usual chicken and rice? Let’s add excitement to your meal prep. Try our high protein pasta recipes that are tasty and healthy. High protein diets are popular, but…
Views: 5Quinoa is a super grain that’s great for your diet, especially if you want more protein. It’s full of health perks and tastes amazing. That’s why recipes using high protein quinoa are a hit with fitness lovers and foodies. These quinoa dishes are a treat for your taste buds and help fuel your body….
Views: 0This protein pasta salad with chicken is a great choice for a healthy meal. It blends protein-filled chicken, fiber-full pasta, and fresh veggies. You will feel full and stay energized. The recipe has shredded chicken breast, bow tie noodles or Banza pasta, and colorful veggies. There’s also Italian dressing, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, with…
Views: 0Are you craving a tasty and healthy meal full of protein? Try the Perfect Protein Salad! It mixes wholesome ingredients for a delicious and nourishing meal. Enjoy whole grains, chickpeas, veggies, and a zesty dressing in every bite. This salad is perfect for quick meals or meal prep for the week. It’s ideal whether…
Views: 0Mason jar salads are both trendy and practical for meal prep. They keep your greens crisp and tasty. Check out these portable protein jar salad recipes for a healthy and flavorful meal. You can customize them to fit your diet, like low-carb or vegetarian options. Since 2011, mason jar salads have grown in popularity…
