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High Protein Greek Pasta Salad

High Protein Greek Pasta Salad

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

Description

This High Protein Greek Pasta Salad is a bright, nutritious, and filling dish perfect for a wholesome lunch or vibrant side. Featuring whole wheat pasta, savory smoked turkey bacon, fresh vegetables, kalamata olives, and creamy plant-based feta cheese, it offers a balance of texture and classic Mediterranean flavors. The easy preparation and protein-packed ingredients make it an ideal choice for meal prep, picnics, or a light dinner served cold or at room temperature.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Protein

  • 2 cups whole wheat pasta
  • 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
  • 1 cup plant-based feta cheese, crumbled

Fresh Vegetables

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/4 cup kalamata olives, roughly chopped

Fresh Herbs

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped

Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (natural)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
  • 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (natural)
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions until just tender but still firm. Rinse under cold water to stop cooking, then drain well to prevent sticking and maintain fresh texture.
  2. Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon: While the pasta is cooking, crisp the smoked turkey bacon in a pan over medium heat until golden and crunchy. Drain excess oil using paper towels, let cool, then chop into bite-sized pieces for a smoky, savory flavor.
  3. Chop the Fresh Vegetables: Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, chop the red and green bell peppers into small squares, and roughly chop the kalamata olives. These fresh vegetables add vibrant color and texture.
  4. Mix the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper until well combined. Add the natural gelling agent if a thicker dressing is preferred.
  5. Combine All Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently toss the cooked pasta, chopped vegetables, smoked turkey bacon pieces, and plant-based feta cheese with the dressing. Coat all ingredients evenly without crushing the tender components.
  6. Add Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley and oregano over the salad and fold them in delicately to brighten the aroma and flavor.

Notes

  • Chop vegetables just before assembling to keep them crisp and fresh.
  • Start with a small amount of dressing and add more gradually to prevent sogginess.
  • Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature; both are delicious.
  • Use fresh herbs generously to enhance freshness and flavor.
  • Toss hot pasta lightly with olive oil immediately after boiling to keep the noodles separate and pleasing in texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg

Keywords: Greek pasta salad, high protein salad, Mediterranean salad, whole wheat pasta salad, plant-based cheese salad, healthy lunch, easy pasta salad

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