Protein Pasta Salad Recipe

Pasta salad is a classic dish that is often high in carbohydrates and low in protein. However, with a few simple tweaks, you can create a protein-packed pasta salad that is both nutritious and delicious. This protein pasta salad recipe is a healthy and refreshing meal option that combines the benefits of protein, fiber, and vitamins. Made with chickpea pasta, chicken breast, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, carrots, and sweet onion, this salad is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of protein pasta salad, the ingredients you’ll need, and a mouth-watering recipe to try at home.

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The Benefits of Protein Pasta Salad

Protein pasta salad offers several benefits over traditional pasta salad. These include:

• Increased satiety: Protein takes longer to digest than carbohydrates, which means you’ll feel fuller for longer. This makes protein pasta salad a great option for a quick and easy lunch or snack.
• Muscle support: Protein is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue. If you’re an athlete or fitness enthusiast, protein pasta salad is a great way to support your muscle growth and recovery.
• Nutrient-dense: Protein pasta salad is packed with protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates, making it a nutrient-dense option for a quick and easy meal.

Nutritional Benefits

• High in protein from chicken breast and chickpea pasta
• Good source of fiber from chickpea pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, carrots, and sweet onion
• Rich in vitamins A, C, and K from cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, and sweet onion
• Low in calories and fat

The Perfect Protein Pasta Salad Recipe

Our protein pasta salad recipe is quick, easy, and delicious. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Protein pasta: We recommend using a protein-rich pasta made from quinoa or legumes.
• Cooked chicken breast: Dice up some cooked chicken breast and add it to the mix.
• Cooked salmon fillet: Flaked salmon adds a boost of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Mixed greens: Add some mixed greens like arugula, spinach, and lettuce for a nutrient boost.
• Cherry tomatoes: Halve some cherry tomatoes for a burst of juicy flavor.
• Cucumber: Slice up some cucumber for added crunch and hydration.
• Red onion: Thinly slice some red onion for a punch of flavor.
• Feta cheese: Crumbling some feta cheese adds a tangy, salty flavor (optional).
• Olive oil and lemon juice: Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice for a light and refreshing dressing.

Protein Pasta Salad Recipe

Protein Pasta Salad Recipe

Author: Ubaid Courses:Pasta, Salad

Difficulty:IntermediatePrep time: 25 minutesCook time: 4 minutesRest time: minutesTotal time: 30 minutesServings:10+ servingsCalories:358 kcal Best Season:Suitable throughout the year

Description

A refreshing and healthy protein pasta salad recipe perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. This salad is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins from the chickpea pasta, chicken breast, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, carrots, and sweet onion. The parmesan vinaigrette dressing adds a tangy and creamy flavor to the dish. This recipe is great for meal prep, potlucks, or a light and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. chicken breast or rotisserie chicken, cooked, chopped and cooled
• 1 8 oz. box chickpea pasta, cooked according to package directions and cooled
• 1 cup English cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 small sweet onion, diced
• 4 oz. sharp cheddar, cubed

Parmesan vinaigrette dressing

• 3 tbsp. white wine vinegar
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 tbsp. honey
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 pinch salt or to taste
• 1 pinch black pepper or to taste

Instructions

1. Whisk together the dressing ingredients in a small bowl, and add additional salt and pepper to taste.
2. Add the chicken breast, chickpea pasta, cucumber, tomato, bell pepper, shredded carrots, sweet onion and cheddar to a large mixing bowl.
3. Add dressing to the bowl of pasta ingredients and toss gently until thoroughly combined.
4. Top with additional parmesan cheese if desired and enjoy!

Notes

• Use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for added convenience. Add other protein sources like tofu, edamame, or beans for added variety. Use different vegetables like zucchini, zucchini noodles, or spinach for added nutrition. Add nuts or seeds like almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds for added crunch. Use different cheese like mozzarella, feta, or goat cheese for added flavor

Keywords:Protein Pasta Salad

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Protein pasta salad is a nutritious and delicious twist on a classic dish. With its increased satiety, muscle support, and nutrient-dense ingredients, this recipe is perfect for fitness enthusiasts, busy professionals, and anyone looking for a healthy and satisfying meal. Give this recipe a try and experience the benefits of protein pasta salad for yourself!