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High Protein Greek Pasta Salad

High Protein Greek Pasta Salad

  • Author: David
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This High Protein Greek Pasta Salad features a vibrant mix of plant-based cheese, crispy smoked turkey bacon, fresh vegetables, and hearty pasta tossed in a tangy, herbaceous dressing. Perfect for quick meals, meal prepping, or a nutritious lunch packed with protein and textures that delight the palate.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Protein

  • 200g short pasta (penne or fusilli)
  • 100g smoked turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
  • 100g plant-based cheese, cubed

Vegetables

  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 150g cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 50g black olives, sliced
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Dressing

  • 3 tbsp olive oil (natural)
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (natural)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano (natural)
  • 1/4 tsp natural gelling agent
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta quickly.
  2. Prepare smoked turkey bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crisp. Let it cool and chop into bite-sized pieces that’ll evenly mix throughout the salad.
  3. Chop the veggies and cheese: Dice cucumber, halve cherry tomatoes, finely chop the red onion, and cube the plant-based cheese. Slice the olives to release their full flavor.
  4. Make the dressing: Whisk together olive oil (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), minced garlic (natural), dried oregano (natural), salt, pepper, and the natural gelling agent until slightly thickened.
  5. Toss it all together: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, veggies, turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, and parsley. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated and evenly distributed.
  6. Chill and serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best experience.

Notes

  • Cook pasta al dente to maintain texture and prevent mushiness when chilled.
  • Rinse pasta with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and avoid clumping.
  • Balance textures by including crunchy veggies and creamy plant-based cheese for ideal contrast.
  • Chill the salad before serving to allow flavors to deepen.
  • Use fresh herbs like parsley to brighten the dish significantly compared to dried ones.
  • Adjust seasoning at the end by tasting and adding salt or pepper as needed for perfect balance.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Boiling, Sautéing, Mixing
  • Cuisine: Greek-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 200g)
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg

Keywords: Greek pasta salad, high protein salad, plant-based cheese salad, smoked turkey bacon salad, healthy pasta salad, quick lunch recipe, gluten-free pasta salad

Find it online: https://yummyrecipeszone.com/high-protein-greek-pasta-salad/