Oh, let me tell you about my creamy high protein pasta salad! It’s one of those dishes that just makes you feel good inside, you know? Packed with wholesome ingredients, it’s not just a pretty face; this salad is loaded with protein thanks to the Greek yogurt and chickpeas! You get that delightful creaminess while still keeping it light and nutritious. I love whipping this up for lunch or as a quick dinner side, and it’s perfect for meal prep. I’m always amazed at how satisfying it is—like, who knew a salad could be so hearty? Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to become a staple in your kitchen too!
Ingredients List
- 200g whole wheat pasta, cooked al dente and drained
- 150g Greek yogurt, plain and unsweetened
- 100g canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 50g cherry tomatoes, halved for a burst of freshness
- 50g cucumber, diced for crunch
- 30g red onion, finely chopped for a zesty kick
- 1 tbsp olive oil, for richness
- 1 tbsp lemon juice, to add brightness
- Salt and pepper to taste, for seasoning
How to Prepare creamy high protein pasta salad
- First things first, cook your whole wheat pasta according to the package instructions. I usually set a timer for about 10 minutes to get it perfectly al dente—nobody likes mushy pasta!
- Once it’s done, drain the pasta and give it a quick rinse under cold water. This not only stops the cooking but also helps it cool down for the salad.
- While the pasta’s cooling, grab a large mixing bowl. In there, combine your Greek yogurt, olive oil, and lemon juice. Use a whisk or a fork to mix it until it’s nice and creamy. The yogurt is where all that protein goodness comes from!
- Now it’s time to add the fun stuff! Toss in the rinsed chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and finely chopped red onion. Each of these ingredients brings a unique flavor and texture, so don’t skimp on any of them!
- Next, add the cooled pasta to the bowl and gently mix everything together. You want it all to be well coated in that creamy dressing—so I like to fold it rather than stir vigorously.
- Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste, giving it a quick taste test to see if it needs a little more of either. Once you’re happy with the seasoning, cover and chill the salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows all those delicious flavors to meld together beautifully!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super quick to prepare—ready in just about 20 minutes!
- High in protein, thanks to Greek yogurt and chickpeas, keeping you fuller for longer.
- Deliciously creamy without feeling heavy, perfect for warm weather.
- Colorful and fresh, it’s as beautiful to look at as it is to eat.
- Great for meal prep—enjoy it for lunches throughout the week!
Tips for Success
To make this creamy high protein pasta salad truly shine, here are a few of my go-to tips! First, don’t be afraid to switch up the veggies based on what’s in season or what you have on hand—bell peppers, spinach, or even roasted zucchini work wonders. For a creamier texture, you can mix in a bit of cottage cheese along with the Greek yogurt. If you’re serving this salad at a gathering, consider adding some crumbled feta or olives for a Mediterranean twist. And remember, letting it chill in the fridge not only enhances the flavors but also makes it even more refreshing!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this creamy high protein pasta salad! For a different flavor profile, try adding roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of Mediterranean flair. You can also mix in some diced avocado for extra creaminess. If you want to switch up the protein, consider adding grilled chicken, diced tofu, or even some sliced hard-boiled eggs for a boost. For the dressing, a splash of balsamic vinegar or a dollop of pesto can elevate the taste to a whole new level. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!
Serving Suggestions
This creamy high protein pasta salad pairs wonderfully with so many dishes! For a light lunch, serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish to add some extra protein. If you’re in the mood for a picnic, it makes a great side with sandwiches or wraps. And don’t forget about some crusty bread or a fresh green salad on the side to round out the meal. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your creamy high protein pasta salad fresh and tasty, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay good for up to 3 days, but trust me, it’s best enjoyed within the first couple of days for optimal flavor and texture. If you find yourself with leftovers and need to reheat, I suggest removing the salad from the fridge and letting it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. This way, it can warm up a bit without losing that creamy goodness. Just remember, it’s best served cold, so no need to microwave it!
Nutritional Information
This creamy high protein pasta salad is not just delicious but also packed with nutrition! Each serving provides approximately 320 calories, with 15g of protein to keep you feeling satisfied. You’ll also find 45g of carbohydrates and 10g of healthy fats. Plus, it contains 6g of fiber, making it a great option for a balanced meal. Keep in mind, these values are estimates, so feel free to adjust based on your ingredient choices!
FAQ Section
Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Absolutely! While Greek yogurt adds extra creaminess and protein, you can use regular yogurt if that’s what you have. Just keep in mind that the texture might be a bit thinner, so adjust the amount accordingly.
Is this pasta salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This creamy high protein pasta salad is perfect for meal prep. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it’ll stay fresh for up to three days. Enjoy it for lunch or a quick dinner!
Can I add more protein to this salad?
Definitely! You can boost the protein content by adding grilled chicken, diced tofu, or even some hard-boiled eggs. This way, you’ll have a heartier meal that keeps you feeling full longer.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make this creamy pasta salad vegan, simply swap the Greek yogurt for a plant-based yogurt and skip any non-vegan proteins. You can add chickpeas, beans, or even nuts for that extra protein kick without the dairy!
What’s the best type of pasta to use?
You can use any type of pasta you love! Whole wheat pasta is a great choice for added fiber, but feel free to experiment with gluten-free options or even chickpea pasta for an extra protein boost!
Creamy High Protein Pasta Salad: 5 Reasons to Love It
- Całkowity Czas: 50 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A creamy high protein pasta salad packed with flavor and nutrition.
Składniki
- 200g whole wheat pasta
- 150g Greek yogurt
- 100g canned chickpeas, rinsed
- 50g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 50g cucumber, diced
- 30g red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instrukcje
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- Add chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion to the bowl.
- Add the pasta and mix until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Uwagi
- Use any type of pasta you prefer.
- Feel free to add more vegetables.
- This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Czas Przygotowania: 10 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 10 minutes
- Kategoria: Salad
- Sposób: Mixing
- Kuchnia: Mediterranean
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 serving
- Kalorie: 320
- Cukier: 4g
- Sód: 300mg
- Kwasy: 10g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 2g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 8g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 45g
- Włókno: 6g
- Białko: 15g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Słowa kluczowe: creamy high protein pasta salad
