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+ servings
High Protein Pasta Salad

High Protein Pasta Salad: Creamy, Flavorful, and Kid-Approved

High Protein Pasta Salad is a creamy, nutritious dish loaded with chickpea pasta, colorful veggies, and a delicious dressing, perfect for kids and meal prep.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 53 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Chickpea Pasta Cook according to package instructions.
For the Vegetables
  • 1 cup Bell Peppers Chopped, mixed colors for visual appeal.
  • 1 cup Cucumbers Chopped.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved.
For the Dressing
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil Extra virgin recommended.
  • 2 Tbsp Red Wine Vinegar Can swap with apple cider vinegar.
  • 1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic Adjust based on taste.
  • 1 tsp Salt To taste.
  • 1 tsp Pepper To taste.
Finishing Touches
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Herbs (Optional) Such as parsley or basil.
  • 1/2 cup Cheese (Optional) Feta or mozzarella.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • salad tongs

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Boil a large pot of water. Add chickpea pasta and cook for 6-8 minutes until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Whisk until emulsified, then season with salt and pepper.
  3. Add cooled pasta to the bowl with dressing. Toss in bell peppers, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and optional cheese.
  4. Gently toss ingredients until well coated with dressing.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 7gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This salad is perfect for meal prep and can be customized with your favorite veggies or proteins. Note to avoid freezing to maintain texture.

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