If you’re looking for a lunch you’ll actually look forward to eating, this High-Protein Italian Pasta Salad is it! It’s packed with protein and fiber to help keep you full throughout the afternoon, while still tasting fresh, flavorful, and satisfying. Make a batch on Sunday, divide it into containers, and you’ll have an easy grab-and-go lunch ready for the week—no sad desk lunches here!
Easy Healthy Recipe
High-Protein Italian Pasta Salad
This easy Italian pasta salad is packed with protein and fiber from chickpea pasta and shredded chicken. Cucumbers add a fresh crunch, while turkey pepperoni and creamy Italian dressing give it plenty of flavor without adding too many calories.
Ingredients
Optional Add-Ins
- Cherry tomatoes
- Banana peppers
- Black olives
- Fresh basil
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Banza pasta according to the package directions. Be careful not to overcook it.
- Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water until completely cool. Allow any excess water to drain.
- Add the cooled pasta, shredded chicken, cucumber, romaine lettuce, turkey pepperoni and red onion to a large bowl.
- Sprinkle the Italian seasoning and garlic powder over the salad.
- Pour the Italian dressing over the ingredients and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to come together.
Notes
Turkey pepperoni helps keep this recipe lower in calories. You may use regular pepperoni or chopped salami, but the calorie and fat amounts will be slightly higher.
If you are preparing the salad ahead of time, consider adding the romaine lettuce right before serving so it stays crisp.
Approximate Nutrition Per Serving
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the brands and exact amounts used.
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