This vibrant summer pasta salad is packed with protein, fresh veggies, and a zesty lemon-herb dressing. Perfect for meal prep, cookouts, or a light weekday lunch.

📋 Recipe Overview

• Serves: 4

• Prep Time: 15 mins

• Cook Time: 10 mins

• Total Time: 25 mins

• Course: Main, Side

• Cuisine: American, Mediterranean

• Keywords: high-protein pasta salad, summer pasta salad, vegetarian meal prep

💖 Why You’ll Love This

• 💪 High in Protein thanks to chickpea pasta & mozzarella

• 🧊 Perfect Cold – no reheating required

• 🥒 Crisp, Fresh Veggies make it refreshing in warm weather

• 🧄 Zesty Dressing adds bold flavor

• 🥗 Meal-Prep Friendly – keeps well for 3–4 days

👉 Craving more summer crunch? Try this Root Vegetable Salad with Crispy Rice.

🛒 Ingredients

🔹 For the Salad

• 8 oz chickpea pasta (or high-protein rotini), cooked & cooled

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cup cucumber, chopped

• ½ cup red bell pepper, diced

• ½ cup mozzarella pearls (or cubed feta)

• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped

🔹 For the Dressing

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 1½ tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• Salt & pepper, to taste

🧰 Equipment Needed

• Medium pot for boiling pasta

• Salad bowl

• Whisk or jar for mixing dressing

• Knife and chopping board

• Strainer

🥣 How to Make High-Protein Pasta Salad

1. Cook the Pasta

• Cook pasta according to package instructions.

• Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

• Set aside.

2. Make the Dressing

• In a small bowl or jar, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, mustard, and garlic.

• Season with salt and pepper.

• Shake or stir until emulsified.

3. Assemble the Salad

• In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, onion, and cheese.

• Pour dressing over the salad.

• Toss until evenly coated.

4. Chill and Serve

• Let chill in the fridge for 30 minutes (optional but recommended).

• Top with fresh herbs before serving.

🌀 Variations & Add-Ons

• 🥬 Add baby spinach or arugula

• 🧆 Swap mozzarella for chickpeas or grilled tofu (for vegan)

• 🌽 Add corn kernels or edamame for crunch

• 🫒 Toss in kalamata olives or artichoke hearts

• 🌶 Add red pepper flakes for spice

❓ Common Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Can I use regular pasta instead of chickpea?
Absolutely, though you’ll get less protein.

Is it good for lunchboxes?
Perfectly! It holds up well, even when chilled.

Can I skip the cheese?
Yes, try chickpeas or avocado for a dairy-free alternative.

Daily Dish delight

Pasta Salad Recipe

This vibrant summer pasta salad is packed with protein, fresh veggies, and a zesty lemon-herb dressing. Perfect for meal prep, cookouts, or a light weekday lunch.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Sauce, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 390

Ingredients Equipment

Ingredients

  

🔹 For the Salad

• 8 oz chickpea pasta (or high-protein rotini), cooked & cooled
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, chopped
• ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
• ½ cup mozzarella pearls (or cubed feta)
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped

🔹 For the Dressing

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1½ tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Equipment

• Medium pot for boiling pasta
• Salad bowl
• Whisk or jar for mixing dressing
• Knife and chopping board
• Strainer