This High Protein Greek Pasta Salad is a fresh, colorful, and satisfying meal packed with crisp vegetables, tangy feta, and protein-rich pasta. Perfect for meal prep, potlucks, lunches, or light dinners, this Mediterranean-inspired dish combines classic Greek flavors with extra protein to keep you feeling full and energized.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with protein from Protein+ pasta and feta cheese
- Fresh, vibrant Mediterranean flavors
- Easy to prepare ahead of time
- Perfect for meal prep and packed lunches
- Great for summer gatherings and potlucks
- Loaded with colorful vegetables
- Delicious served cold
- Family-friendly and versatile
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad
- 16 oz protein pasta (such as Barilla Protein+)
- 1 cucumber, peeled and sliced into ½-inch half-moons
- 1 pint tomatoes, halved
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 5 oz feta cheese crumbles
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
For the Dressing
- ⅔ cup olive oil
- ½ cup red wine vinegar
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- While the water heats, prepare the vegetables. Peel and slice the cucumber, dice the bell peppers, thinly slice the red onion, and halve the tomatoes. Chop the fresh dill.
- Cook the protein pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 9–10 minutes.
- Drain the pasta thoroughly and rinse under cold water until completely cooled.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cucumber, tomatoes, bell peppers, and red onion.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until evenly coated.
- Add the feta cheese and fresh dill. Toss lightly to distribute throughout the salad.
- Let the High Protein Greek Pasta Salad rest for 15–20 minutes so the flavors can blend.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Before serving, stir gently and adjust seasoning if needed.
Tips & Tricks
- Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent a mushy texture.
- Rinse pasta thoroughly to stop the cooking process.
- Make the salad a few hours ahead for even better flavor.
- Add grilled chicken for an extra protein boost.
- Fresh lemon juice provides the brightest flavor.
- If serving the next day, reserve a small amount of dressing to refresh the salad before serving.
- English cucumber works especially well because it contains fewer seeds.
Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Resting Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling, Mixing
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Vegetarian, High Protein
Notes
- Substitute feta with reduced-fat feta if desired.
- Add chickpeas for additional fiber and protein.
- Kalamata olives make a flavorful addition.
- Serve alongside grilled fish, chicken, or lamb.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free high-protein pasta.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 360
- Protein: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 5g
FAQ
What makes this High Protein Greek Pasta Salad high in protein?
The protein-rich pasta significantly increases the protein content compared to traditional pasta salads, while feta cheese adds additional protein.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes. In fact, the flavors improve after several hours in the refrigerator, making it an excellent meal-prep recipe.
How long does Greek pasta salad last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, it stays fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Absolutely. Grilled chicken, turkey breast, or grilled shrimp pair beautifully with the Mediterranean flavors.
What is the best pasta for this recipe?
Protein-enriched pasta provides the best balance of texture and nutrition, but whole wheat pasta also works well.
Can I freeze pasta salad?
Freezing is not recommended because the vegetables lose their crisp texture after thawing.
Storage
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Not recommended due to the fresh vegetables and feta cheese.
Reheating
This salad is intended to be served cold. Simply stir before serving and add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice if needed.
Similar Recipes
High Protein Greek Pasta Salad
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad
- 16 oz protein pasta such as Barilla Protein+
- 1 cucumber peeled and sliced into ½-inch half-moons
- 1 pint tomatoes halved
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper diced
- 1 red onion thinly sliced
- 5 oz feta cheese crumbles
- 2 tbsp fresh dill chopped
For the Dressing
- ⅔ cup olive oil
- ½ cup red wine vinegar
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- While the water heats, prepare the vegetables. Peel and slice the cucumber, dice the bell peppers, thinly slice the red onion, and halve the tomatoes. Chop the fresh dill.
- Cook the protein pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 9–10 minutes.
- Drain the pasta thoroughly and rinse under cold water until completely cooled.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cucumber, tomatoes, bell peppers, and red onion.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until evenly coated.
- Add the feta cheese and fresh dill. Toss lightly to distribute throughout the salad.
- Let the High Protein Greek Pasta Salad rest for 15–20 minutes so the flavors can blend.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Before serving, stir gently and adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
- Substitute feta with reduced-fat feta if desired.
- Add chickpeas for additional fiber and protein.
- Kalamata olives make a flavorful addition.
- Serve alongside grilled fish, chicken, or lamb.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free high-protein pasta.
Conclusion
This High Protein Greek Pasta Salad is the perfect combination of wholesome ingredients, fresh vegetables, and classic Mediterranean flavor. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, hosting a gathering, or looking for a healthy lunch option, this easy recipe delivers satisfying protein, vibrant colors, and delicious taste in every bite.