Description
A vibrant and high-protein Italian Pasta Salad perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a delightful lunch that packs a punch.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (8 oz) box of protein or chickpea rotini pasta
- 3/4 cup of Olive Garden light Italian dressing (192 g)
- 1/2 red onion (120 g), chopped
- 1 large bell pepper (red, yellow, or orange, 170 g), chopped
- 1 medium cucumber (250 g), peeled and diced
- 1 (8 oz) package of smoked deli ham (224 g), chopped
- 1 (5 oz) package of turkey pepperoni (140 g), chopped
- 5 oz of light Italian dry salami (140 g), chopped
- 4 slices of ultra-thin provolone cheese, chopped
- 1/2 cup of feta cheese (56 g)
- Fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes).
- While pasta is cooking, chop the red onion, bell pepper, and cucumber into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop the deli ham, turkey pepperoni, and salami into bite-sized pieces and place in a large mixing bowl.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and let it cool slightly, then add it to the mixing bowl with the meats.
- Add the chopped veggies, provolone, and feta cheese to the bowl.
- Pour the Olive Garden dressing over everything and mix gently until all ingredients are well coated.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
Notes
This salad tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Adjust dressing to taste if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: pasta salad, high protein, Italian recipe, colorful salad, easy lunch