Description
High-Protein Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant, nutritious dish bursting with flavor and texture. This easy-to-make salad features al dente whole wheat pasta, fresh vegetables, and a zesty Italian dressing. Packed with protein from chickpeas and feta cheese, it offers a satisfying meal option perfect for meal prep, picnics, or as a delightful side at any gathering. Impress friends and family with this colorful dish that?s ready in just minutes!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers (assorted colors), diced
- ? cup red onion, finely chopped
- ? cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- ? cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ? cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- While the pasta cools, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and red onion into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the chopped vegetables.
- Add chickpeas and feta cheese to the mixture.
- Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg