Protein Pasta Salad (Gluten Free + Vegetarian)
This Protein Pasta Salad is packed with Greek inspired flavors and protein! Plus it's gluten free and vegetarian! Quick pickled red onions and tomatoes add an acidic kick balanced out by a creamy lemon mint dressing. This simple recipe can be made in advance, enjoyed as a main dish for a light dinner, or side dish and is even great for meal prep.
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 252kcal
Ingredients
- 8 ounces chickpea or lentil gluten free rotini pasta
- 1 Cucumber diced
Pickled Red Onions & Cherry Tomatoes
- 10 ounces Grape tomatoes sliced in half
- ½ Small red onion thinly sliced
- ½ cup White wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Salt
Lemon Mint Yogurt Dressing
- ½ cup Plain/unflavored non-fat Greek yogurt
- 3 Scallions rough chopped (aka green onion)
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- ½ cup fresh mint leaves
- 1 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
Pickled Red Onions & Cherry Tomatoes
- Prep the red onions and cherry tomatoes.
- Place all pickling ingredients into a mason jar or airtight container. Shake to coat onions and grape tomatoes and leave to the side.
Make Dressing & Prep Salad
- Place all dressing ingredients into the blender.
- Blend and store in airtight container or mason jar. Place in fridge until all steps complete.
- Cook protein pasta to al dente according to package instructions. Drain and leave to the side to cool.
Assemble Salad
- Place diced cucumbers and cooked pasta in a large bowl.
- Drain pickled red onions and grape tomatoes from the liquid and into the serving bowl.
- Pour lemon mint yogurt dressing over and mix.
- For best flavor, cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and leave in refrigerator for at least 30-minutes prior to eating.
Notes
- Make it hefty: To make this a full meal, add salmon, shrimp, beef, pork, or any leftover proteins you have on hand.
- Make it ahead: This is a great make ahead dish as the flavors are even better the next day! Assemble the salad up to two days in advance, and store the dressing separately. Combine with the dressing about 30 minutes to 2 hours before serving.
- Make it for meal prep: Prepare the pasta salad as usual minus the dressing, and portion into single serving size containers. The morning before eating, combine the dressing in.
- Enjoy it warm, room temperature or cold: This dish can be served warm, at room temperature or even cold straight from the fridge!
- Storage directions: Store any leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
Calories: 252kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 1796mg | Potassium: 402mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 975IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 72mg | Iron: 2mg