Name: High Protein Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 8oz box protein or chickpea pasta (any shape); 3/4 cup light Italian dressing ((192 g)); 1/2 red onion ((120 g) chopped); 1 large red, yellow, or orange bell pepper ((170 g) chopped); 1 medium cucumber ((250 g) peeled and chopped); 1 8oz package smoked deli ham ((224 g) chopped); 1 5oz package turkey pepperoni ((140 g) chopped); 5 oz light Italian dry salami ((140 g) chopped); 4 slices ultra thin provolone cheese (chopped); 1/2 cup feta cheese ((56 g)); Fresh basil (optional)

Jump to Recipe

This High Protein Italian Pasta Salad is my absolute go-to whenever I need something hearty, fresh, and downright crave-worthy. Chock-full of vibrant veggies, three kinds of deli meats, and two types of cheese, it’s as satisfying as it gets — with way more protein than your average pasta salad. The bold Italian flavors marinate together for a tangy, colorful dish that works as a meal prep lunch or picnic showstopper. Trust me, you’ll want to make extra!

High Protein Italian Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

If you love recipes that are both simple and stunning, this one’s all about everyday ingredients pulling together for extraordinary results. Each plays a special role in building up the signature taste and texture of this High Protein Italian Pasta Salad.

Protein or chickpea pasta: Toss in your favorite shape — these add a major protein punch and hold up beautifully to the rest of the salad.
Light Italian dressing: All that zippy, herby flavor without the heaviness, it ties every ingredient together.
Red onion: For a vibrant pop of color and sharp bite that wakes up every forkful.
Bell pepper: Choose red, yellow, or orange for sweetness and crunch.
Cucumber: Peeled and chopped, it brings fresh, juicy crunch to complement the meats and cheese.
Smoked deli ham: Savory and slightly smoky, this adds depth you’ll love.
Turkey pepperoni: Slightly spicy and lean, it’s a high protein, flavorful twist on tradition.
Light Italian dry salami: Thinly sliced, this brings classic antipasto flair to your salad bowl.
Ultra thin provolone cheese: Mild and melty, provolone’s delicate flavor is always welcome.
Feta cheese: Its creamy tanginess balances out the heartier flavors.
Fresh basil (optional): For that irresistible, fresh Italian finish — I highly recommend it if you have it on hand!

How to Make High Protein Italian Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Protein Pasta

First things first, bring a big pot of salted water to a furious boil — don’t skimp on the salt! Toss in your protein or chickpea pasta and cook just until al dente, following the package directions closely. Once it’s perfectly tender but still has a little bite, drain immediately and rinse thoroughly with cold water. This helps stop the cooking process and keeps the noodles from sticking, plus it cools them down quickly for salad assembly.

Step 2: Sauté the Ham (Optional, But Delicious!)

If you have a few extra minutes, quickly sauté the chopped ham in a hot, dry frying pan. A bit of caramelization brings out a wonderful smokiness and meaty texture that really elevates the final salad. Totally optional, but you’ll notice the difference in every savory bite!

Step 3: Chop and Prep Everything

While the pasta cools, chop your red onion, bell pepper, cucumber, smoked ham, turkey pepperoni, salami, provolone, and feta into inviting, bite-sized pieces. Keeping everything uniform helps every forkful get a little of everything — trust me, that’s the best part of this High Protein Italian Pasta Salad.

Step 4: Combine and Toss

In your biggest salad bowl, add the cooled pasta, all your chopped veggies, the three meats, cheeses, and a handful of freshly chopped basil if you’re using it. Drizzle over the light Italian dressing and gently toss until everything is glossy and evenly distributed. If you have a few hours, cover and chill your High Protein Italian Pasta Salad in the fridge — this melds the flavors for a truly incredible taste.

How to Serve High Protein Italian Pasta Salad

Garnishes

This salad is a stunner on its own, but a sprinkle of extra feta, ribbons of fresh basil, or a generous grind of black pepper on top bring it to the next level. For a bit of extra tang, try a drizzle of good quality balsamic glaze just before serving.

Side Dishes

Since High Protein Italian Pasta Salad is already bursting with flavor and nutrition, pair it with something light — think a crisp green salad, fresh fruit platter, or even some chilled melon slices. For a fuller meal, a crusty piece of whole-grain bread is always welcome to help mop up any dressing left in the bowl!

Creative Ways to Present

Make a big impression by serving your High Protein Italian Pasta Salad in a large, shallow platter garnished with colorful veggie slices or more fresh basil. For picnics or grab-and-go lunches, spoon portions into mason jars or meal prep containers — colorful layers make this an edible work of art!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover High Protein Italian Pasta Salad stores brilliantly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors only get better as they mingle, so don’t be shy about doubling up for weekday lunches or impromptu dinners.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the texture of the pasta, cheese, and veggies can suffer after freezing and thawing. If you’re prepping well in advance, you can freeze the deli meats separately, then thaw and add just before assembling your next batch.

Reheating

This High Protein Italian Pasta Salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at cool room temperature, so no reheating required! If you do prefer it just slightly warm, let it sit out of the fridge for about 20 minutes to take the chill off before serving.

FAQs

Can I use regular pasta instead of protein or chickpea pasta?

Absolutely! Traditional pasta works beautifully in this recipe, though you’ll lose some of the protein boost. If you want to keep it high protein, stick with the specialty options or toss in a handful of chickpeas or white beans with the veggies.

Is there a vegetarian version of this High Protein Italian Pasta Salad?

Definitely! Swap out the ham, pepperoni, and salami for your favorite plant-based deli meats, marinated tofu, or extra feta and beans for a vegetarian spin that still packs plenty of protein and flavor.

Can I make this gluten free?

Yes, just use your favorite gluten-free protein pasta or chickpea pasta. All the other salad ingredients are naturally gluten free, so it’s an easy swap that doesn’t sacrifice taste or texture.

How can I make my salad extra colorful and festive?

Use a mix of bell pepper colors, multi-colored cherry tomatoes, or rainbow pasta shapes. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives add a pop of green, while a sprinkle of red chili flakes brings a little heat and visual dazzle.

How far in advance can I make High Protein Italian Pasta Salad?

This salad is actually better when made ahead! Assemble it up to 24 hours before you plan to serve it, then keep it tightly covered in the fridge. Just give it a quick toss and freshen up any garnishes before serving to your guests.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re meal prepping for busy weekdays or whipping up something special for your next gathering, this High Protein Italian Pasta Salad is sure to become a staple recipe you’ll crave again and again. Give it a try — you’ll love the hearty, protein-packed bites and the classic Italian flavors in every bowl!