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High Protein Italian Pasta Salad

A quick and flavorful Italian pasta salad packed with protein, perfect for lunch or as a side dish.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch, Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Base Ingredients
  • 8 oz. whole wheat pasta Choose your favorite shape
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed For an extra protein boost
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella balls, halved Because cheese is life!
  • 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped The secret to Italian flair
Dressing Ingredients
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper To taste

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Start a pot of salted water boiling. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, cucumber, chickpeas, mozzarella balls, black olives, red onion, and fresh basil.
  3. In a jar, mix the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Shake until blended.
  4. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl of veggies and pour the dressing over everything. Toss gently until well coated.
  5. Let the salad sit for at least 20 minutes in the fridge to allow the flavors to marry.

Notes

This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For variations, add grilled chicken or substitute quinoa for pasta.