Description
High Protein Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant and satisfying dish that combines the essence of Italian cuisine with a healthy twist. This salad is not only packed with protein but also brimming with fresh vegetables, savory meats, and creamy cheeses, all coated in a light Italian dressing. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a festive side dish at gatherings, it can be prepared in just 25 minutes. With its customizable ingredients and meal prep-friendly nature, this pasta salad is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
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 rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Chop red onion, bell pepper, and cucumber into small pieces.
- Cut the smoked deli ham, turkey pepperoni, dry salami, and provolone cheese into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta with chopped vegetables and meats.
- Add feta cheese and pour the dressing over the mixture. Toss until evenly coated.
- 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 (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg