Description
High Protein Italian Pasta Salad is a delicious, nutritious dish that combines protein-rich pasta with colorful vegetables, savory meats, and creamy cheeses. Ideal for a quick lunch or dinner, this salad is versatile enough to shine at picnics, potlucks, or family gatherings. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a meal that is not only satisfying but also packed with nutrients to keep you energized. Enjoy it chilled for maximum flavor; it’s perfect for meal prep as well!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz protein or chickpea rotini pasta
- 3/4 cup Olive Garden light Italian dressing
- 1/2 red onion, chopped
- 1 large bell pepper (red, yellow, or orange), chopped
- 1 medium cucumber, peeled and diced
- 8 oz smoked deli ham, chopped
- 5 oz turkey pepperoni, chopped
- 5 oz light Italian dry salami, chopped
- 4 slices ultra-thin provolone cheese, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain and rinse under cold water.
- While the pasta cools, chop the vegetables and meats into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta with vegetables and meats. Crumble in feta cheese.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
- Add fresh basil if desired and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 930mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg