High Protein Italian Pasta Salad
A vibrant pasta salad combining colorful vegetables, savory meats, and creamy cheeses, perfect for any meal or gathering.
Ingredients
Pasta and Dressing
- 8 oz box of protein or chickpea rotini pasta
- 3/4 cup Olive Garden light Italian dressing
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
- 1 large bell pepper (red, yellow, or orange), chopped
- 1 medium cucumber, peeled and diced
Meats and Cheeses
- 8 oz package of smoked deli ham, chopped
- 5 oz package of turkey pepperoni, chopped
- 5 oz light Italian dry salami, chopped
- 4 slices ultra-thin provolone cheese, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Optional Ingredients
- Fresh basil, optional For garnish and flavor
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the chickpea or protein 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 the smoked deli ham, turkey pepperoni, Italian dry salami, and provolone cheese into bite-sized pieces.
Mixing
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pasta, chopped vegetables, meats, and cheeses.
- Add the crumbled feta cheese and drizzle the light Italian dressing over the mixture. Toss well to coat.
- If using, add fresh basil and mix.
Chilling and Serving
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled.
Notes
Serve in a large bowl for a family-style option or in individual cups for portion control. Pair with grilled chicken or crusty bread for a full meal.