High Protein Pasta Salad: Easy Recipe for Everyone

• Easy to make – Just boil pasta, chop veggies, and mix
• Tastes better cold – Perfect for hot days or lunchboxes
• Loaded with veggies – Fresh, colourful, and good for you
• Make it your way – Use your favourite ingredients!

Ingredients for Pasta Salad

Here is a list of easy items that you can include in this great pasta salad. You can be as creative as you want and change up the ingredients based on what you have at home.

Protein for Salad

• Chickpea or protein pasta (for example, Banza or Barilla)
• Cooked chicken, ham, turkey, pepperoni, or tofu
• Cheeses you can use are feta, provolone, or cheddar.

Veggies

• Peppers – red, yellow, or orange
• Cucumber – peeled or unpeeled, your call
• Cherry tomatoes
• Boil water and cook your pasta according to the directions on the box. If using chickpea pasta, cook for a little shorter time (6-8 mins), or you may have mushy pasta. Then drain and run under cold water to stop the cooking process.
• Cherry tomatoes
• Shredded carrots
• Red or sweet onion
• Olives (optional)

Dressing (Easy Homemade or Store-Bought)

• Olive oil
• Vinegar (white wine, red wine, or balsamic)
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic
• Honey (optional)
• Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning
  Or just use your own favorite store-bought Italian dressing!

How to Make Pasta Salad (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil water and follow the directions on the box about the timing while you figure out your pasta. When boiling chickpea pasta, cook it a little less (6-8 mins), as it has a tendency to become mushy.

Once ready, drain and rinse in cold water to stop the cooking.

Step 2: Dice the Veggies and Protein

Dice your pepper, cucumber, onion, tomatoes, carrots, and protein (such as cooked chicken or ham).

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

Combine:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Pinch of pepper and salt
• Optional: garlic or honey for added taste

Step 4: Combine It All Together

• Put pasta, vegetables, protein, and cheese in a big bowl.
• Pour dressing over top. Stir until everything is coated.
• Allow it to refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before consumption.

Tips to Make It Even Better

Shalot instead of onion? Soak chopped onion in cold water for 10 minutes before adding.

• Refrigerate it first – It tastes better when it’s refrigerated.
• Vegetables only – Use beans, tofu, or more cheese in place of meat.
• Replace the cheese – Smoked mozzarella, cheddar, or parmesan cheese.
• Store for later – Chill leftovers for a maximum of 5 days.

This pasta salad is not just a meal—it is a meal solution. If you have no time at all, or if you just want something that is healthy and delicious, this is a perfect recipe. It is easy to make it as you wish, and it can keep you happy, energized, and full all day long.

You don’t have to be a chef either. Boil, chop, mix—and enjoy!