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High-Protein Italian Pasta Salad

A delightful mix of flavors, colors, and textures, this high-protein Italian pasta salad is quick to make and perfect for a nutritious meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Veggies
  • 8 oz pasta (any type)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained (15 oz)
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Dressing
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, drain, and let cool.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, chickpeas, black olives, mozzarella, and basil.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  4. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine.
  5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.

Notes

For enhanced flavors, refrigerate for an hour before serving. This pasta salad stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.