Ultimate High Protein Pasta Salad Recipe

This ultimate high protein pasta salad recipe is perfect for adding variety to your diet. It’s made with chickpea pasta and filled with veggies. With 11 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber per serving, it’s both satisfying and balanced.

You’ll need the following for this tasty salad:

8 oz. of Chickpea Rotini pasta Banza
1/2 red bell pepper
1/2 English cucumber
1.5 cups broccoli florets
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1/4 cup red onion
1/4 cup fresh parsley
1/4 cup fresh basil
1.5 oz. of fat-free feta cheese
2.25 oz. can of sliced black olives

The dressing brings extra flavor. For the dressing, mix together:

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
4 tbsp. red wine vinegar
1 tbsp. dijon mustard
1 garlic clove
Salt and pepper to taste

You can switch chickpea pasta with whole wheat pasta or regular pasta. Feel free to try other dressings like red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or balsamic vinegar, too.

Follow these steps for the salad:

Cook the chickpea pasta as the package says. Slightly undercook it to keep it from getting mushy.
Mix the cooked pasta, veggies, feta cheese, and black olives in a big bowl.
In another bowl, whisk olive oil, vinegar, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper for the dressing.
Toss the pasta and veggies with the dressing until well-coated.
Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving so the flavors can blend.

This salad offers great flavors and nutrients. It has about 245 calories, 26g of carbs, 11g of protein, 12g of fat, and 5g of fiber per serving. The protein and fiber support gut health, weight management, and cholesterol control.

To keep leftovers, store the salad in a fridge in a sealed container. It lasts up to 4 days. Add a bit of olive oil if the noodles dry out.

This high protein pasta salad balances health and tasty flavors. Try it and enjoy the benefits!

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Why Choose High Protein Pasta Salad?

There are many good reasons to pick high protein pasta salad for your meals. It’s both tasty and full of nutrients.

Firstly, it gives you the benefits of high protein without losing any flavor. Chickpea pasta is the core ingredient. It’s rich in protein, offering a solid source of plant-based protein and important amino acids.

High protein pasta salad also lets you eat more vegetables. In this recipe, we mix in bright bell peppers, cool cucumbers, sweet cherry tomatoes, and tangy red onions. These veggies aren’t just tasty. They also provide essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.

Another plus is the homemade dressing. It’s made with top-notch items like extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dijon mustard, and garlic. This dressing boosts taste and keeps the salad moist. It also means you avoid the extra stuff found in store-bought dressings.

Lastly, this pasta salad is great for meal prep. Prepare it in advance and keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days. It’s perfect for busy people. It ensures you always have a nutritious meal ready to go.

Choosing high protein pasta salad means choosing a meal that’s nourishing and appetizing. It has the benefits of high protein from chickpea pasta, a variety of fresh vegetables, a tasty homemade dressing, and the ease of meal prep. Add this delicious salad to your weekly menu for a fulfilling, balanced dish.

How to Make High Protein Pasta Salad

Making a delicious high protein pasta salad is easy. First, cook chickpea pasta as the label says, but al dente. Be careful not to overcook it, or it’ll be mushy.

Then, whip up a zesty dressing. Mix olive oil, red wine vinegar, dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper. This dressing makes the salad tangy and savory.

Toss the pasta, veggies, feta, and dressing in a big bowl. Make sure the dressing covers everything. For more flavor, chill it for 30 minutes.

Get creative with your salad next. Add more protein like chicken, ham, or beans. Try different veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, or bell peppers for freshness. And play with various cheeses and dressings for new tastes.

Enjoy this high protein pasta salad as a side or a main dish. It’s full of nutrients and flavor. Just follow these steps, customize it your way, and you’ll have a yummy salad. Bon appétit!