Hey there! I can’t wait to share my creamy high protein pasta salad recipe with you. Seriously, this dish is a game changer for lunch or dinner! It’s packed with protein thanks to the Greek yogurt and cottage cheese, making it super filling and nutritious. Plus, the combination of fresh veggies like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers adds a delightful crunch. I love how versatile it is—you can throw in whatever veggies you have on hand! And trust me, the creaminess of the yogurt and cottage cheese makes every bite feel indulgent without the guilt. You’ll be craving this salad all week long!
Ingredients for Creamy High Protein Pasta Salad
Gather these simple ingredients to whip up your creamy high protein pasta salad. Trust me, it’s worth it!
- 8 oz whole grain pasta (I love using penne or fusilli for that perfect bite!)
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (this adds such a lovely creaminess)
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese (for extra protein and a nice texture)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (they add a burst of freshness)
- 1 cup diced cucumber (cool and crunchy—so refreshing!)
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (any color you like, it’s all good!)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (for a little zing)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (to bring it all together)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (for that bright, zesty flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy, season it well!)
Having everything prepped and ready will make the mixing process a breeze!
How to Prepare Creamy High Protein Pasta Salad
Now let’s dive into the steps for making this delicious creamy high protein pasta salad! I promise, it’s super easy and oh-so-rewarding!
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s at a rolling boil, add in your 8 oz of whole grain pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until it’s al dente. You don’t want it too soft, or it’ll turn mushy in the salad! Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This also helps it cool down faster for the salad!
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of Greek yogurt and 1/2 cup of cottage cheese. Stir them together until they’re well blended and creamy. This mix should be thick but smooth—think of it as your luscious dressing that adds all that creamy goodness to the salad!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion to the creamy base. Then, toss in your cooled pasta. Gently mix everything together until the pasta and veggies are evenly coated with that dreamy creamy mixture. I like to use a spatula for this to ensure everything gets well combined without breaking the pasta!
Step 4: Season and Chill
Drizzle in the 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and season generously with salt and pepper. Give everything another good toss to combine those flavors! Now, cover the bowl and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is crucial because it allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making each bite even more delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- High in protein, thanks to Greek yogurt and cottage cheese, keeping you full and satisfied.
- Loaded with fresh veggies, making it a nutritious choice for any meal.
- Versatile! You can easily swap in your favorite seasonal vegetables or add extras like grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Great for meal prep—make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week!
- Deliciously creamy without the guilt, thanks to healthier ingredients.
Tips for Success with Creamy High Protein Pasta Salad
Here are some of my favorite tips to make sure your creamy high protein pasta salad turns out perfectly every time!
- Cook the pasta al dente: This ensures it holds up well in the salad and doesn’t get mushy.
- Yogurt options: If you want a tangier flavor, try using a flavored Greek yogurt, but plain works beautifully too!
- Vegetable variations: Feel free to mix in whatever veggies you have on hand—zucchini or spinach would be fantastic!
- Make it a meal: Add in some grilled chicken or chickpeas for an extra protein boost and make it a complete meal!
- Let it chill: Don’t skip the chilling time; it really enhances the flavors!
With these tips, you’ll create a salad that’s not only delicious but also bursting with flavor!
Nutritional Information for Creamy High Protein Pasta Salad
Let’s talk about the nutrition in this creamy high protein pasta salad! It’s not just delicious; it’s also packed with goodness. Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving (1 cup):
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 20g (thanks to the Greek yogurt and cottage cheese!)
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But overall, you’ve got a nutritious salad that’s not just satisfying but also a great addition to your meal rotation!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your creamy high protein pasta salad is super easy! Just transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days, which is perfect for meal prep! If you want to make it ahead of time, feel free to whip it up a day in advance—just remember to give it a good stir before serving, as the ingredients might settle a bit.
Now, if you’re looking to reheat it, I’d recommend only warming up the portion you plan to eat. Just microwave it for a quick 30 seconds to 1 minute. But honestly, I think it’s best served chilled, so enjoy it straight from the fridge for that refreshing crunch!
FAQ about Creamy High Protein Pasta Salad
Got questions about my creamy high protein pasta salad? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries I often hear:
Can I use regular pasta instead of whole grain?
Absolutely! Whole grain adds a nice nutty flavor and extra fiber, but any pasta you have will work just fine.
How long does this salad last in the fridge?
It’ll be good for 3-4 days in an airtight container, making it perfect for meal prep!
Can I add protein sources like chicken or beans?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even tofu can boost the protein content even more!
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It’s not only easy to make ahead, but it actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a bit as the flavors meld.
Can I make this salad vegan?
You can swap out the Greek yogurt and cottage cheese for plant-based alternatives, and it’ll still be delicious!
Creamy High Protein Pasta Salad in 5 Simple Steps
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: High Protein
Description
A creamy, high protein pasta salad that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole grain pasta
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- In a large bowl, mix Greek yogurt and cottage cheese.
- Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion to the bowl.
- Once pasta is cooked, drain and let it cool.
- Add cooled pasta to the bowl and mix well.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper.
- Toss everything together until well combined.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- This salad can be made a day in advance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing and boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: creamy high protein pasta salad
