Description
A delicious and protein-packed Italian pasta salad that keeps you energized and satisfied.
Ingredients
Scale
- Whole grain or chickpea pasta
- Grilled chicken (optional)
- Salami or pepperoni (optional)
- Tuna or salmon (optional)
- Feta or parmesan cheese (optional)
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Red onion
- Bell peppers
- Olives
- 1/3 cup olive oil (for dressing)
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar (for dressing)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (for dressing)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for dressing)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (for dressing)
- Salt and pepper to taste (for dressing)
Instructions
- Boil a pot of salted water and add the pasta of choice. Cook according to package directions, usually 8-10 minutes for al dente.
- Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water.
- Chop up the veggies into bite-sized pieces.
- If using meat or cheese, cut them into cubes or strips.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, veggies, proteins, and a drizzle of the homemade dressing.
- Toss everything until well-coated and adjust seasoning as necessary.
- Store in the fridge for up to three days. Add a splash of extra dressing before serving if needed.
Notes
Pasta salad tastes even better the next day after the flavors have mingled. Feel free to customize with different proteins or veggies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cook, Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 55mg