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High Protein Greek Pasta Salad

High Protein Greek Pasta Salad

  • Author: Michael
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: High Protein

Description

This High Protein Greek Pasta Salad is a vibrant, nutritious, and flavorful dish featuring smoky turkey bacon, creamy plant-based cheese, crisp vegetables, and a tangy dressing. Balanced with whole wheat pasta, it’s perfect for energizing lunches, potlucks, or light dinners with a fresh Mediterranean twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 2 cups whole wheat pasta
  • 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup plant-based feta-style cheese, crumbled (plant-based)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped

Dressing Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
  • 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (natural)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (natural)
  • 1 teaspoon honey (natural)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the whole wheat pasta, and cook according to package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain well and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool down the pasta for the salad.
  2. Prepare the smoked turkey bacon: While the pasta cooks, chop the smoked turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces and lightly pan-fry over medium heat until crispy. Set aside to cool slightly before adding to the salad.
  3. Chop and prepare the veggies: Rinse and dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the red onion thinly, pit and halve the Kalamata olives, and roughly chop fresh parsley. Crumble the plant-based feta-style cheese for easy mixing later.
  4. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar (natural), extra virgin olive oil (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), Dijon mustard (natural), honey (natural), garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
  5. Combine and toss everything: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, smoked turkey bacon, vegetables, plant-based cheese, and parsley. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly with that bright, tangy flavor.

Notes

  • Cook pasta just right: Al dente pasta holds texture best and prevents mushiness in the salad.
  • Chill ingredients beforehand: Cold veggies and pasta keep the salad crisp and refreshing after tossing with dressing.
  • Use quality olive oil (natural): It really enhances the dressing’s richness and adds an authentic touch.
  • Toast the turkey bacon: Adds delightful crunch and intensifies smoky flavor.
  • Let it rest: Allow the salad to marinate for at least 20 minutes before serving to deepen flavor fusion.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Pan-frying and boiling
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Greek pasta salad, high protein salad, smoked turkey bacon salad, plant-based cheese salad, Mediterranean salad, whole wheat pasta salad

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