Easy High Protein Pasta Salad
Transform your lunch routine with this high protein pasta salad. Featuring chickpea pasta, lean protein, crisp vegetables, and a creamy cottage cheese dressing, it serves as a completely satisfying, make-ahead main dish.
Servings 5 servings
Calories 380kcal
Equipment
- Large pot
- Blender or food processor
- Large mixing bowl
Ingredients
Salad Base & Mix-ins
- 8 oz chickpea or lentil-based pasta such as Banza
- 1 lb cooked chicken breast or shrimp bite-sized
- 1 can chickpeas 15 oz, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup cucumber diced
- 0.5 cup bell peppers chopped
- 0.25 cup red onion finely diced
- 0.5 cup feta cheese crumbled
Creamy Dressing
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the chickpea pasta until al dente, taking care not to overcook. Drain and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and preserve texture.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked protein (chicken or shrimp), chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and red onions.
- Pour the creamy cottage cheese dressing over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are thoroughly and evenly coated.
- Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately or divide into airtight containers for meal prep. The salad remains fresh and satiating in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
Informations nutritionnelles :
Calories : 380 kcal | Protéines : 34 g | Glucides : 42 g | Lipides : 10 g | Fibres : 9 g
Tip: Always rinse legume-based pasta in very cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and preserve its texture.