Why Make This Recipe
High Protein Greek Pasta Salad is not just a feast for your taste buds, but it’s also packed with nutritious ingredients that boost your protein intake. With the addition of Barilla Protein+ pasta and feta cheese, this salad makes for a hearty meal. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish. Also, it can be made ahead of time, making it a stress-free option for gatherings or meal prep.
How to Make High Protein Greek Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 16 oz pasta (I use Barilla Protein+ for the best texture)
- 1 cucumber (peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch half-moons)
- 1 pint tomatoes
- 1 red bell pepper (seeded and diced into 1/2-inch pieces)
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 1 red onion
- 5 oz feta (I prefer Athenos crumbles for this recipe)
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 2/3 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 lemon (freshly squeezed for the brightest acidity)
- 1 tbsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Directions:
Prepare the Vegetables: As you wait for the pasta water to boil, peel and slice the cucumber into 1/2-inch half-moons. Dice the red and yellow bell peppers. Quarter and thinly slice the red onion, and halve the tomatoes. Chop the fresh dill and have the feta crumbles ready. This prep means you won’t feel rushed once the pasta is done, and the veggies will be perfectly crunchy and colorful.
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the Barilla Protein+ pasta according to package directions until it’s al dente, usually about 9-10 minutes. Drain it well and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This step helps to keep the pasta from getting mushy when combined with the dressing.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Add the oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until everything is well mixed. Fresh lemon juice makes a big difference in flavor.
Combine Everything: In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta with the prepared vegetables. Pour the dressing over the top and toss everything gently until it is evenly coated. Add the feta crumbles and fresh dill, tossing again to incorporate.
Let it Rest: Let the salad sit for at least 15-20 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 4 hours. This resting time allows the pasta to soak up all those delicious flavors.
Serve: Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and taste it. Adjust the salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed. This salad is best enjoyed cold, and it often tastes even better the next day.
How to Serve High Protein Greek Pasta Salad
Serve this salad cold as a main dish or a side dish. It’s great for BBQs, picnics, or simply as a quick meal. Pair it with some grilled chicken or fish for an extra protein boost.
How to Store High Protein Greek Pasta Salad
Keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-5 days. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it delicious for meal prep.
Tips to Make High Protein Greek Pasta Salad
- Make sure to use cold water to rinse the pasta thoroughly after cooking.
- Feel free to adjust the vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand.
- If you prefer a creamier salad, you can mix in some Greek yogurt or replace part of the olive oil with mayonnaise.
Variation
You can add grilled chicken or chickpeas to increase the protein even more. Other great additions include olives, artichoke hearts, or even assorted nuts for a crunch.
FAQs
1. Can I use any type of pasta?
Yes, but high-protein pasta like Barilla Protein+ works best for this recipe.
2. How long does the salad last in the fridge?
It stays fresh for about 3-5 days when stored in an airtight container.
3. Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it’s best when allowed to sit for a while to let the flavors meld together.
4. What other vegetables can I add?
You can add veggies like olives, artichokes, or spinach to customize your salad.
5. Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It’s perfect for meal prep, and can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
High Protein Greek Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Peel and slice the cucumber into 1/2-inch half-moons. Dice the red and yellow bell peppers. Quarter and thinly slice the red onion, and halve the tomatoes. Chop the fresh dill and have the feta crumbles ready.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the Barilla Protein+ pasta according to package directions until it’s al dente, usually about 9-10 minutes. Drain it well and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Add the oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until everything is well mixed.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta with the prepared vegetables. Pour the dressing over the top and toss everything gently until it is evenly coated. Add the feta crumbles and fresh dill, tossing again to incorporate.
- Let the salad sit for at least 15-20 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 4 hours.
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and taste it. Adjust the salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed. Serve cold.
Notes
Name: Yumi HwagByline: Founder & Recipe Developer, YumimealsBio : Yumi tests weeknight-friendly air fryer, slow cooker, and BBQ recipes in a small home kitchen. She focuses on simple steps, real-family testing, and clear food-safety guidance. Contact: [email protected]