High Protein Italian Pasta Salad
Craving a satisfying yet healthy meal? Our High Protein Italian Pasta Salad is the perfect solution! This vibrant dish combines protein-packed chickpea pasta with an array of fresh vegetables and savory meats, all beautifully tossed in a zesty Italian dressing. Ideal for quick lunches, delightful dinners, or as a stunning centerpiece at potlucks, this salad caters to various occasions. Plus, it’s wonderfully customizable—swap ingredients to make it your own! Get ready to enjoy a nutritious, flavorful meal that’s ready in just 25 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Lunch/Dinner
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz chickpea or protein rotini pasta
- 3/4 cup Olive Garden light Italian dressing
- 1/2 red onion, chopped
- 1 large bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 8 oz smoked deli beef, 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.
- Chop the red onion, bell pepper, and cucumber into small pieces.
- Slice smoked deli beef, turkey pepperoni, salami, and provolone cheese into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine pasta, vegetables, meats, and cheeses. Add crumbled feta.
- Drizzle with Italian dressing and toss until well-coated.
- Add fresh basil if desired; let chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 200g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg