Healthy High Protein Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

This High Protein Pasta Salad is packed with fresh veggies, tossed in a flavorful homemade dressing, and made with gluten-free pasta for a satisfying and nourishing meal. It’s perfect for meal prep and makes a delicious option the whole family will love. Serve it cold for an easy lunch or weeknight side dish. It's a fantastic option to bring to BBQs or parties, too!

It’s officially pasta salad season, and this healthy pasta salad recipe is a great way to switch things up with a little extra protein. Made with gluten-free protein pasta, turkey pepperoni, and mozzarella, it’s a fresh take on traditional pasta salads that’s hearty enough to keep you satisfied. The simple homemade dressing adds tons of flavor without weighing it down.

This easy pasta salad is packed with fresh ingredients like green pepper, black olives, and parsley, making it a colorful and refreshing option for any summer meal. It’s a great way to prep lunch for the week or serve something everyone will love at your next BBQ. Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding a crowd, this high-protein twist is sure to become a go-to.

If you're looking for more healthy recipes to bring to your next summer potluck, try this gluten free tortellini pasta salad with peaches & prosciutto, this easy to digest pasta salad, watermelon salad, or this strawberry cucumber salad.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• It is protein packed. Each serving of this high-protein pasta salad recipe packs nearly 19 grams of protein, making it a delicious way to reach your daily protein goal.
• It's perfect anytime. It’s a complete meal with a balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbs making it perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
• It is easy, delicious & satisfying. Next time you’re craving something fresh but filling, this pasta salad delivers on flavor and nutrition without the fuss.

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High Protein Pasta Salad Ingredients & Tested Substitutions

• Gluten Free Protein Pasta. I prefer to use Banza Chickpea Pasta or Kaizen Protein Pasta for the additional protein benefits. You can feel free to use your favorite gluten free pasta or regular pasta, just note this will change the total protein content.

• Fresh Mozzarella Pearls. Mozzarella pearls or "ciliegine" are preferred but if you cannot find the small mozzarella balls you can cut a large ball of mozzarella into smaller pieces. You can also swap mozzarella for feta cheese or parmesan cheese chunks instead if you prefer.

• Turkey Pepperoni. This is a leaner alternative to traditional pork or beef pepperoni with less fat and fewer calories. It’s a great way to boost the protein content of your pasta salad without weighing it down. You can easily swap in regular pepperoni if that’s what you have on hand, but choosing turkey helps lighten things up while still delivering on taste.

• Black Olives. I used black olives in this recipe but if you're not a fan, feel free to swap them out for kalamata olives or green olives. You can also omit them entirely if you're not a fan of olives.

• Pepperoncini. Using jarred, pre-sliced pepperoncini adds a punch of tangy, briny flavor that fresh peppers just can’t match. The pickling process enhances their zesty bite and infuses the salad with a subtle heat and acidity that balances the richness of the cheese and olive oil. Plus, the convenience of pre-sliced jarred pepperoncini makes this recipe even easier to throw together.

• Bell Peppers. I chose fresh green peppers but you can use a mix of your favorite bell peppers if you prefer.

• Fresh Parsley. Fresh herbs give a little brightness to the pasta salad. My choice is fresh parsley but you can add fresh basil, oregano or thyme if you prefer.

• Shallot Infused Olive Oil. To keep this easy to digest I used shallot infused olive oil, but if you're not concerned about that, opt for a high quality olive oil and add in some diced red onion for extra flavor. 

• Red Wine Vinegar. If you don't have red wine vinegar available, champagne vinegar would be a good substitute. I don't recommend using apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar.

• Dried Herbs & Spices. I used dried herbs & spices like basil, oregano, dried parsley, red pepper flakes, salt & pepper in the dressing ingredients.

High Protein Pasta Salad Step by Step Instructions

1. Boil the pasta. Boil the pasta til al dente according to package instructions. Once boiled, drain the pasta (do not rinse) and drizzle with a bit of olive oil.
2. Make the dressing. In a small mixing bowl, add shallot oil, red wine vinegar and spices whisking gently to combine. Taste and adjust flavors to your preference.

3. Make the pasta salad. In a large mixing bowl, add diced peppers, mozzarella, pepperoni, olive, pepperoncini, parsley and pasta, tossing gently to mix. Pour dressing over top and continue tossing gently until fully incorporated.

Make Ahead & Storage Instructions

This high-protein pasta salad is ideal for meal prep and can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, just give it a quick toss before serving. If it seems a little dry, refresh with a splash of olive oil and vinegar.

Did you have a chance to make this recipe? If so, please leave me a 5 star rating and review below. I always love and appreciate hearing from you!