High Protein Pasta Salad
Introduction
High Protein Pasta Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the goodness of pasta with protein-rich ingredients. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a side dish at gatherings. This salad not only tastes great but also provides a hearty dose of protein, making it a wonderful choice for anyone looking to fuel their body with healthy ingredients.
Why Make This Recipe
Making High Protein Pasta Salad is a fantastic way to enjoy a meal that is both filling and nutritious. This recipe is easy to prepare and can be customized based on your preferences. It’s a great option for meal prepping, and you can enjoy it cold, which is perfect for warm days. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies and protein into your diet.
How to Make High Protein Pasta Salad
Making High Protein Pasta Salad is simple and straightforward. Just follow these steps to whip up this tasty dish!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (225 g) chickpea pasta (or regular pasta, uncooked)
- 1 cup (240 g) cottage cheese (or plain Greek yogurt)
- ½ cup (110 g) white beans (or chickpeas, cooked or canned)
- ½ cup (80 g) frozen peas
- 5 oz (150 g) tomatoes (or ¾ red bell peppers, diced)
- â…“ English cucumber (sliced)
- 1 cup spinach (chopped)
- ¼ onion (finely diced, optional)
- 2 tbsp black olives (sliced, optional)
- 1 ½ tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tbsp balsamic vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
- ½ tsp sea salt (or more to taste)
- â…“ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- Ground black pepper (to taste)
Directions:
- Start by preparing the dressing. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, sea salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Stir well and set aside.
- Cook the chickpea pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cottage cheese (or yogurt), white beans, frozen peas, tomatoes, cucumber, spinach, onion, and black olives (if using).
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and mix everything together until well combined.
How to Serve High Protein Pasta Salad
You can serve High Protein Pasta Salad chilled or at room temperature. This dish is excellent on its own or as a side dish to grilled meats or fish. Garnish with some fresh herbs or extra veggies for an added touch!
How to Store High Protein Pasta Salad
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. High Protein Pasta Salad can be enjoyed for up to 3 days when stored properly. The flavors may meld together even more as it sits, making it even tastier the next day!
Tips to Make High Protein Pasta Salad
- Use any veggies you like in this salad. Bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini are great additions.
- Feel free to substitute the cottage cheese with plain Greek yogurt if you prefer.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Add more salt or pepper as needed.
Variation
You can easily change up the flavors by using different dressings or additional proteins, such as grilled chicken or tofu. Try adding some herbs like basil or parsley for a fresh twist!
FAQs
1. Can I use regular pasta instead of chickpea pasta?
Yes! You can absolutely use regular pasta if you prefer. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package.
2. Is this salad gluten-free?
If you use chickpea pasta, this salad will be gluten-free. However, regular pasta is not gluten-free.
3. Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes! Making High Protein Pasta Salad ahead of time is a great idea. Just store it in the fridge and enjoy it within 3 days for the best flavor.
