Print

Fresh High Protein Italian Pasta Salad

Fresh high protein Italian pasta salad with creamy mozzarella and glossy dressing.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This is a complete, nourishing meal that combines lean proteins and crisp vegetables in a vibrant Italian dressing. Perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or a satisfying lunch that keeps you full, it's a main dish that disappears first at any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound short pasta (rotini, farfalle, or penne)
  • 1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
  • 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 large English cucumber, diced
  • 1 medium red onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup sliced black olives
  • 1 cup diced mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta in a large pot of well-salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cool water.
  2. While pasta cooks, make the dressing. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
  3. In a very large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chicken, chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
  4. Pour about three-quarters of the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning or add more dressing as needed.
  5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
  6. Just before serving, stir in the fresh parsley. Give a final gentle toss and serve.

Notes

For best results, do not skip the chilling time. Use a store-bought rotisserie chicken for ultimate ease. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. For dairy-free, omit the cheeses. The salad stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.stacksipsnack.com/fresh-high-protein-italian-pasta-salad/