Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
High-Protein Pasta Salad Recipe

High-Protein Pasta Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 58 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 servings
  • Category: Salad, Main Course
  • Method: Boil, Mix
  • Cuisine: Healthy / Mediterranean-inspired
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

A nutritious, vibrant pasta salad packed with chickpeas, edamame, crisp veggies, and zesty homemade dressing—perfect for meal prep, crowd-pleasing side dishes, or a healthy main.


Ingredients

  • 12 oz short pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle)
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup shelled edamame, thawed or steamed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste


Instructions

  1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, chickpeas, edamame, tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, and spinach.
  3. In a small bowl or jar, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
  4. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients.
  5. Sprinkle feta cheese on top and fold lightly before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

  • Add fresh herbs (parsley or basil) or toasted nuts/seeds for extra flavor and texture.
  • Swap chickpeas/edamame for cooked chicken, tuna, or hard-boiled eggs for extra protein.
  • Use lentil or chickpea pasta for a gluten-free, higher-protein option.
  • Prepare up to a day ahead; the flavors improve as it chills.