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–+ servings
Creamy High Protein Pasta Salad

Creamy High Protein Pasta Salad

Delight in this Creamy High Protein Pasta Salad that's packed with flavor and nutrition, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Additional Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces chickpea rotini pasta
  • 1/4 cup red onion finely minced, about 1/8-inch pieces
  • 1/2 each red bell pepper diced into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil torn
  • 1/2 each English cucumber diced into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 1/2 cups broccoli florets steamed until tender-crisp
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley roughly chopped
  • 2.25 ounces sliced black olives canned, drained
  • 1.5 ounces crumbled fat-free feta cheese
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil for dressing
  • 4 tablespoons red wine vinegar for dressing
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard for dressing
  • 1 clove garlic freshly minced, for dressing

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • small container with lid

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the chickpea rotini and cook for 6-7 minutes, checking at the lower end of the package time for al dente texture. Drain immediately and rinse under cold water until completely cool.
  2. In a small container with a lid, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Seal and shake vigorously for 30 seconds until the mixture is creamy and emulsified.
  3. Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl. Add the minced red onion, diced bell pepper, torn basil, cucumber, steamed broccoli florets, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped parsley, sliced black olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
  4. Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are well coated.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to develop. Before serving, stir well and adjust seasoning with additional olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper if needed.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 22gFat: 11g

Notes

This pasta salad is incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or dressings for a personal touch.

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