Go Back
High protein Italian pasta salad with colorful vegetables and dressing

High Protein Italian Pasta Salad

A quick and satisfying pasta salad packed with colorful vegetables and protein-packed ingredients, perfect for meal prep or gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Dressing
  • 8 oz protein or chickpea rotini pasta
  • 3/4 cup Olive Garden light Italian dressing Approx. 192 g
Vegetables
  • 1/2 red onion, chopped Approx. 120 g
  • 1 large bell pepper, chopped Red, yellow, or orange, approx. 170 g
  • 1 medium cucumber, peeled and diced Approx. 250 g
Meats and Cheeses
  • 8 oz smoked deli ham, chopped Approx. 224 g
  • 5 oz turkey pepperoni, chopped Approx. 140 g
  • 5 oz Italian dry salami, chopped Approx. 140 g
  • 4 slices ultra-thin provolone cheese, chopped
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled Approx. 56 g
Garnish
  • to taste fresh basil, optional

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the chickpea or protein pasta according to the package directions, salting the water generously for flavor.
  2. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to halt cooking.
  3. Chop the vegetables: red onion, bell pepper, and cucumber into small, uniform pieces.
  4. Slice smoked deli ham, turkey pepperoni, Italian dry salami, and provolone cheese into even, bite-sized pieces.
Mixing
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, meats, and cheeses.
  2. Gently crumble the feta cheese by hand as you mix everything together.
Dressing
  1. Drizzle the light Italian dressing over the mixture and toss well until everything is coated.
  2. If using fresh basil, tear or chiffonade the leaves and add them.
Chill and Serve
  1. Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  2. Serve chilled, optionally with red pepper flakes, toasted pine nuts, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-5 days. For longer storage, consider freezing but note that texture may change. It's best served cold and can be made a day in advance for better flavor.