High-Protein Italian Pasta Salad: A Delicious Health Boost!
A nutritious and flavorful pasta salad packed with protein, perfect for a healthy meal or side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, chickpeas, mozzarella cheese, and basil.
- Add the cooled pasta to the bowl and mix well.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
- This salad can be made a day in advance for better flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 20mg