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High Protein Greek Pasta Salad

High Protein Greek Pasta Salad


  • Author: Anthony
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Easy High Protein Greek Pasta Salad is a vibrant, nutritious, and delicious meal packed with plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, and colorful fresh vegetables. Perfect for meal prep or a refreshing side dish, it offers a balanced blend of flavors and a satisfying protein boost with wholesome ingredients.


Ingredients

Scale

Pasta Base

  • 2 cups whole wheat or chickpea pasta

Protein & Cheese

  • 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
  • 1 cup plant-based feta-style cheese, crumbled

Fresh Vegetables

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons natural lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons natural apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (natural)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (natural)
  • Pinch of natural gelling agent
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your pasta of choice. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, drain, and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool quickly.
  2. Prepare the smoked turkey bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Chop and prep the veggies: While the pasta cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the cucumber into thin rounds, pit and slice Kalamata olives, and thinly slice the red onion to have all fresh ingredients ready for mixing.
  4. Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together natural lemon juice, natural apple cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil (natural), dried oregano (natural), salt, pepper, and a pinch of natural gelling agent to create a smooth textured dressing.
  5. Combine everything: In a large bowl, toss together cooled pasta, chopped smoked turkey bacon, fresh vegetables, and crumbled plant-based cheese. Pour the dressing over and gently mix to coat all ingredients evenly.
  6. Chill and serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully before serving.

Notes

  • Cook pasta al dente to maintain firm texture and prevent sogginess when chilled.
  • Use cold pasta and vegetables for a refreshing, crisp salad.
  • Adjust the acidity by modifying lemon juice and apple cider vinegar to your taste preference.
  • Include ample smoked turkey bacon and plant-based cheese for a protein-rich and filling salad.
  • Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or dill can be added for extra aroma and flavor.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: No baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: High protein pasta salad, Greek pasta salad, plant-based cheese salad, smoked turkey bacon salad, Mediterranean salad, gluten free pasta salad, healthy pasta salad