Protein-Rich Pasta Salad Recipe

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This protein-rich pasta salad is a nourishing meal. It has chickpea pasta, veggies, and various protein sources. Chickpea pasta is a good source of plant-based protein and carbs.

You can add chicken, turkey, beef, tofu, beans, nuts, and seeds for more protein. It’s perfect for meal prep, cookouts, or gatherings.

This dish has 11 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber per serving. It’s nutritious and tasty.

Ingredients and Preparation

To make this protein-packed pasta salad, you’ll need chickpea pasta. This type offers more protein and fiber than regular pasta. Brands like Chickapea in Canada or Banza in the U.S. are great choices. Chickpea pasta cooks in about 6-8 minutes, becoming perfectly al dente.

The main stars are the fresh vegetables. Add bell peppers, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and olives. These veggies add texture, flavor, and nutritional value.

This salad includes cheese, specifically crumbled feta. If you prefer something different, try full-fat or mozzarella cheese for a creamy twist.

We’ll create a tangy dressing with extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard. It adds a zingy, savory flavor that enhances the salad.

For the preparation, start by cooking the chickpea pasta as the package says. Then, drain it and rinse with cold water to cool it down.

In a big bowl, mix the pasta, chopped veggies, and feta cheese. Toss them gently to spread the ingredients evenly.

In another bowl, whisk olive oil, vinegar, mustard, and any spices you like. Pour this dressing over the salad and mix well. It coats everything evenly.

Chill the pasta salad for at least 1 hour so the flavors mix well. This salad stays fresh for up to 5 days. It’s great for meal prep.

For more ideas, check out these high-protein pasta salad recipes from nutrition experts:

1. The Balanced Nutritionist – A delicious high-protein pasta salad recipe.
2. Nourished by Nic – A creamy ranch protein pasta salad full of flavor.
3. Heather Mangieri – A guide to making a nutritious, protein-packed pasta salad.

Tips and Variations

Looking to enhance your protein-rich pasta salad? Here are some tips and variations to try:

1. Adding more protein: Boost your salad with extra proteins. Top it with grilled chicken. Or mix in ham, sausage, black beans, chickpeas, lentils, or hard-boiled eggs. This adds flavor and increases the protein content.

2. Exploring different ingredients: Be bold with your pasta salad. Try various vegetables and herbs. Onions, cucumbers, and olives can offer a refreshing change.

3. Customizing the cheese: The original recipe uses goat cheese. Yet, you can try feta cheese or mozzarella. It’s all about finding what you love.

Strive for the right mix of ingredients and flavors. These changes let you tailor the pasta salad to your liking. It’s sure to be a hit at any event.