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Protein Pasta Salad Recipe for Quick Weeknights
Emily

Protein Pasta Salad Recipe for Quick Weeknights

A refreshing Italian-inspired salad with high-protein pasta, crisp veggies, Greek yogurt, and pesto—perfect for easy, fridge-friendly meals. Balances nutrients and flavor for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz dry protein pasta
  • 15 oz canned chickpeas, drained
  • 1 large English cucumber
  • 1 cup bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
  • 1/4 cup pepperoncini
  • 4 tbsp Greek yogurt
  • 6 tbsp pesto
  • Kosher salt, to taste

Method
 

  1. Bring 1L water to a boil; cook pasta 8-10 minutes. Drain and let cool.
  2. Chop cucumber into 1/2" pieces and add to bowl with chickpeas, bell pepper, red onion, and pepperoncini.
  3. Add cooled pasta and stir to combine.
  4. ge with 4 tbsp Greek yogurt and 6 tbsp pesto.
  5. Toss until evenly coated. Add 1/2 tsp salt if desired.
  6. Chill for 1 hour before serving.

Notes

Rinse chickpeas thoroughly to remove canned salt.
Use room-temperature pesto to avoid clumping.
Add 1 tsp vinegar if yogurt is too thick.
Uniform vegetable chopping ensures balanced texture.
Let pasta dry after cooking to prevent sogginess.