Go Back
Emma Claudie

Quick High-Protein Italian Pasta Salad

Elevate your meal prep with this nutrient-dense Italian pasta salad. By swapping traditional pasta for high-protein chickpea or lentil varieties and incorporating lean turkey-based meats, you create a satisfying, hunger-crushing lunch that stays fresh for days. Packed with crunchy vegetables, tangy cheeses, and vibrant flavors, this dish is the gold standard for maintaining energy levels and supporting muscle recovery without relying on pork products.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dishes
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz chickpea or lentil-based pasta
  • 4 oz turkey pepperoni, sliced
  • 4 oz turkey ham, cubed
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup provolone cheese, cubed
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar (non-alcoholic version)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the chickpea or lentil pasta to al dente according to package instructions.
  2. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar (non-alcoholic), oregano, salt, and pepper.
  4. Add the cooled pasta, turkey pepperoni, turkey ham, bell pepper, onion, cucumber, and cheeses to the bowl.
  5. Toss everything thoroughly until evenly coated with the dressing.
  6. Divide into airtight meal prep containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Notes

Always aim for al dente texture for legume-based pasta; overcooking can cause it to lose structure. If prepping for more than 4 days, add the cucumber fresh each day to maintain crunch.