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High-Protein Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

High-Protein Italian Grinder Pasta Salad: A Flavorful Meal Prep

High-Protein Italian Grinder Pasta Salad features turkey, pepperoni, and mozzarella, delivering 35 grams of protein per serving.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Protein Pasta Chickpea or lentil pasta recommended
  • 1 can Cannellini Beans Well-drained
For the Meats
  • 2 cups Deli Turkey Chopped, opt for oven-roasted or smoked
  • 1 cup Pepperoni or Salami Chopped into bite-sized pieces
For the Vegetables
  • 8 oz Fresh Mozzarella Balls Cut into smaller chunks if large
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Quartered or halved
  • 1 cup Cucumber Diced; swap with bell peppers if desired
  • 1/2 cup Red Onion Finely diced; use green onions for milder taste
  • 2 cups Fresh Spinach Substitute with arugula or mixed greens if desired
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Plain Greek Yogurt Can substitute with sour cream
  • 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil Use high-quality oil
  • 2 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar White wine vinegar works as a substitute
  • 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard Whole grain mustard can be used for texture
  • 1 tbsp Honey Maple syrup can be used for a vegan version
  • 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning Use a blend of your favorite dried herbs if needed
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Fresh minced garlic is an option for more intensity
  • 1 tsp Salt Adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper Adjust to taste

Equipment

  • medium bowl
  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • large mixing bowl
  • spatula

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together plain Greek yogurt, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add your protein pasta. Cook according to the package instructions for 7-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked protein pasta, cannellini beans, chopped deli turkey, pepperoni, fresh mozzarella, quartered cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red onion, and fresh spinach. Stir gently.
  4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss gently until all ingredients are coated.
  5. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.
  6. Before serving, stir the salad. Add a splash of olive oil or yogurt if it’s dry.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 7gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Chop all ingredients consistently for balanced flavor. Refrigerate for at least an hour for best flavor. Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.

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