High-Protein Pasta Salad

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Looking to up your salad game? You’re in the right place! This high-protein pasta salad is perfect for a quick lunch or a refreshing dinner option. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this dish will keep you full for hours. Plus, it’s simple to make and great for meal prep. Get ready to enjoy a tasty twist on traditional pasta salad that you’ll want to make again and again!

Tool Requirements

To make this high-protein pasta salad, you’ll need a few basic tools. First, grab a large pot for boiling the pasta. This should be big enough to allow the pasta to move around freely, ensuring it cooks evenly.

Next, a colander will come in handy. You’ll use it to drain the pasta once it’s cooked. Make sure it’s sturdy, as you’ll be handling hot pasta.

A large mixing bowl is essential. That’s where you’ll combine all the ingredients. You want enough space to mix without spilling.

You’ll also need a cutting board and a sharp knife. These are for chopping up any vegetables or herbs that go into your pasta salad. Keep the knife sharp for safer and cleaner cuts.

Measuring cups and spoons are useful for getting quantities just right. Even if you’re eyeballing, sometimes precision makes a difference.

A serving spoon or a pair of tongs helps when it’s time to mix everything together. You want something that can easily toss the salad without mashing it.

Finally, a lid or some plastic wrap is good if you plan to refrigerate it before serving. This keeps the salad fresh and flavorful.

Preparing The Ingredients

You’ll need some fresh ingredients. Start by picking your favorite type of pasta. Whole grain or chickpea pasta are great choices because they have more protein.

Cook the pasta according to the instructions. Let it cool after cooking. Then, turn your focus to the veggies.

Choose vegetables like cherry tomatoes, spinach, and bell peppers. Chop them into bite-sized pieces. They add color and freshness to your salad.

Next, select a protein source. Things like tofu or tempeh work well. Chop them up into cubes. You can cook or grill them for extra flavor.

Don’t forget to grab some beans, like chickpeas or black beans. They’re packed with protein too! Draining and rinsing them will keep your salad nice and fresh.

Add some healthy fats by slicing up an avocado. It adds creaminess to your salad and makes it more filling.

You’ll also need a simple dressing. Mix ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Shake or whisk until smooth.

Now, you’re ready to combine everything! Toss all the ingredients with the dressing. Make sure every bite is coated. Your fresh and nutritious pasta salad is almost ready to enjoy.

Serving Suggestions

You can serve the pasta salad chilled for a refreshing taste. It’s a perfect dish for picnics or potlucks because it can be made ahead of time. Just pull it out of the fridge when you’re ready to eat.

This salad makes a great lunch. Pack it in a reusable container for a healthy meal at work or school. You can also serve it as a side with your favorite plant-based burger or sandwich for a balanced meal.

For a bit of extra flavor, try sprinkling some nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan on top before serving. It adds a cheesy touch without any dairy.

If you like, add a squeeze of lemon or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up. This can bring a fresh kick to your salad. Only do this just before eating to keep the flavors vibrant.

Storage Tips

• For the best taste and freshness, place your vegan high-protein pasta salad in an airtight container. This keeps the salad crisp and tasty.
• Store your salad in the refrigerator. It can usually stay fresh for up to three days. Make sure your fridge is set to a cool temperature to maintain its quality.
• Before you eat leftovers, give your salad a quick stir. This helps to mix the dressing evenly. If it looks too dry, add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice.
• If you want to make your salad last longer, keep the dressing separate. Add it just before serving. This way, the vegetables and pasta don’t get soggy.
• When taking the salad on-the-go, ensure the container is leak-proof. This prevents any spills or accidents in your bag.

High-Protein Pasta Salad

This easy, high-protein pasta salad is exactly what you're looking for! It's filled with tofu, chickpeas and you can add your favorite type of pasta. Serve it as a vegan pasta salad recipe that's simple to make and is perfectly suitable for lunch or dinner.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine Italian

Servings 2 servings

Calories 670 kcal

Ingredients

  

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• 2 cups of your favorite type of pasta whole grain or chickpea pasta
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes chopped
• 1 cup of spinach chopped
• 1 bell pepper chopped
• 1 cup of tofu or tempeh cubed
• 1 cup of beans chickpeas or black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 avocado sliced
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• Pinch of salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

 

• Cook the pasta according to the instructions.
• Let the pasta cool after cooking.
• Chop cherry tomatoes, spinach, and bell pepper into bite-sized pieces.
• Chop tofu or tempeh into cubes.
• Cook or grill the tofu or tempeh for extra flavor if desired.
• Drain and rinse the chickpeas or black beans.
• Slice the avocado.
• Mix olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste for the dressing.
• Toss all the ingredients with the dressing.
• Make sure every bite is coated.
• Your fresh and nutritious pasta salad is ready to enjoy.

Nutrition

Calories: 670kcal

Keyword Vegan

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Stefan K.

Stefan has been vegan since 2019 and has been regularly working on his strength since the beginning of 2023. He’s on a mission to help other vegans get stronger and have all of them achieve the quality of life they deserve.