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High Protein Pasta Salad No Mayo

Revitalize Your Lunch with High Protein Pasta Salad No Mayo

Enjoy a vibrant High Protein Pasta Salad No Mayo, perfect for picnics and packed with nutritious ingredients.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 oz Rotini Consider using protein-enhanced pasta for extra nutrition.
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper Can substitute with yellow or orange for a sweeter variant.
  • 1 medium English Cucumber Can be swapped for regular cucumber.
  • 1 cup Broccoli Substitute with additional cucumber or bell pepper if desired.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Grape tomatoes make a sweeter alternative.
  • 1/4 medium Red Onion Can use shallots for a milder taste.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Feel free to use any fresh herb like cilantro or dill.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Basil Enhances freshness and aroma.
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano Italian seasoning can be used instead.
  • 1/2 cup Feta Cheese Crumbled goat cheese can be an alternative.
  • 1/2 cup Black Olives Can substitute with green olives.
For the Dressing
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil Light olive oil works just as well.
  • 2 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar Can be substituted with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
  • 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard Yellow mustard is a suitable alternative.
  • 1 clove Garlic Garlic powder can serve as a quick substitute.
  • to taste Salt Essential for seasoning.
  • to taste Pepper Essential for seasoning.

Equipment

  • large mixing bowl
  • small bowl
  • Pot
  • Colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Start by dicing the red bell pepper, slicing the English cucumber, and halving the cherry tomatoes. Mince a small amount of red onion, and chop the fresh parsley and basil. Place all these vibrant ingredients into a large mixing bowl.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together minced garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined and smooth.
  3. Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  4. In the large bowl with the vegetables, add the cooled rotini, crumbled feta, black olives, and dried oregano. Gently fold to combine.
  5. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 70mgCalcium: 180mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This salad tastes even better as the flavors meld together.

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