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High protein Italian pasta salad as a meal prep idea for work lunches.

High Protein Italian Pasta Salad

A vibrant, hearty dish that’s bursting with flavor and packed with protein, perfect for summer picnics and quick dinners.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Dressing
  • 8 oz 1 (8 oz) box of protein or chickpea rotini pasta Or any shape you prefer
  • 3/4 cup 3/4 cup of Olive Garden light Italian dressing (192 g)
Vegetables
  • 1/2 piece 1/2 red onion, chopped into small pieces (120 g)
  • 1 large 1 large bell pepper (red, yellow, or orange), chopped (170 g)
  • 1 medium 1 medium cucumber, peeled and diced (250 g)
Meats and Cheese
  • 8 oz 1 (8 oz) package of smoked deli ham, chopped (224 g)
  • 5 oz 1 (5 oz) package of turkey pepperoni, chopped (140 g)
  • 5 oz 5 oz of light Italian dry salami, chopped (140 g)
  • 4 slices 4 slices of ultra-thin provolone cheese, chopped
  • 1/2 cup 1/2 cup of feta cheese (56 g)
Garnish
  • to taste Fresh basil, optional For aroma and garnish

Method
 

Cooking Pasta
  1. Begin by cooking the pasta according to package directions, generously salting the water.
  2. Ensure pasta is al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Prepare Vegetables and Meats
  1. Chop the red onion, bell pepper, and cucumber into small, uniform pieces.
  2. Slice the smoked deli ham, turkey pepperoni, Italian dry salami, and provolone cheese into even, bite-sized pieces.
Combine Ingredients
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, meats, and cheeses.
  2. Gently crumble the feta cheese into the bowl.
Dress the Salad
  1. Drizzle the light Italian dressing over the mixture and toss everything together.
Chill and Serve
  1. If desired, add fresh basil leaves or chiffonade them and add them to the mixture.
  2. Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  3. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Notes

This salad can be made ahead of time allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Avoid freezing as textures may be affected.