High Protein Pasta Salad
This High Protein Pasta Salad recipe is what low-carb salad dreams are made of! With bold, fresh flavors and a kick of heat from the spicy Italian salami and red pepper flakes, it’s the perfect side dish that can also be enjoyed as your main course.
Healthy Pasta Salad Recipe
If you’re in search of a summer salad for a backyard barbecue or a tasty side dish for a special gathering that is ALSO low-carb, this high-protein pasta salad recipe is IT. Let’s be honest, though; even the carb-lovers won’t get enough of this delicious dish. Unlike your typical pasta salad, my Kaizen Lupini Pasta is used as its base — a low-carb, high-protein alternative to regular pasta.
On top of that, I mix in a variety of fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and roasted red peppers to add extra texture and flavor. For a finishing touch, I drizzle on a homemade Italian dressing that elevates the entire dish with a zingy parade of flavor.
Why You’ll Love It
- Perfect for those following a low-carb/keto diet.
- Great as meal prep for a healthy meal on the go, every day of the week.
- The combination of flavors and textures is on point!
- You can easily customize the recipe to your liking.
High Protein Pasta Salad Ingredients
(Note: These are the recipe’s starring ingredients, but you can find all the ingredients in the recipe card below!)
- Kaizen Low-Carb Pasta: This recipe tastes great with any variety of my Kaizen low-carb pasta. Pick your favorite!
- Fresh Veggies: I used a combination of English cucumber, red onion, and cherry tomatoes.
- Flat-Leaf Parsley: Parsley adds a fresh, herby taste that takes this pasta salad to the next level.
- Black Olives: Black olives offer a briny, sweet flavor that goes great with the salami.
- Roasted Red Bell Pepper: For convenience, I used jarred red peppers.
- Spicy Italian Salami: There’s nothin’ like a good salami in a pasta salad!
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Olive oil is used as a flavorful base for the dressing.
- Lemon: I added some lemon juice to the dressing for a touch of brightness and acidity.
- Seasoning Blend: Use dried oregano, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste.
Variations & Substitutions
The great thing about this easy pasta salad recipe is that, similar to regular pasta salad, you can really make it your own! Here are some of my favorite ideas if you need some inspiration:
Jazz Up the Dressing: Add a pinch of Italian seasoning or fresh basil to the Italian dressing to take the flavors up a notch!
Lemon Juice: Apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar works as a fresh lemon substitute and will give you that same tart, acidic flavor.
Why Choose Kaizen Pasta?
I developed Kaizen Pasta because, like you, I found many pasta imitations out there to be very disappointing. But with my Kaizen lupini pasta, you don’t have to sacrifice the taste of delicious pasta for a healthier alternative!
With 85% fewer carbs and 3x the protein of traditional pasta, it’s the perfect choice for those following a keto diet, eating high protein and low-carb, or simply looking to make healthier meals.
How to Make High Protein Pasta Salad
The steps are simple, and I’m outlining them below, but be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page to view the full, printable recipe card. You can also find this recipe on my site, Kaizenfoodcompany.com!
STEP 1 – COOK PASTA
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the low-carb pasta for 5-8 minutes (about 5 minutes for al dente and longer for a more tender pasta).
Drain and run under cold water. Then, transfer the pasta to a large mixing bowl and set aside.
STEP 2 – ADD INGREDIENTS
Next, add the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, olives, roasted red peppers, and salami to the pasta. Toss to combine well.
STEP 3 – MAKE DRESSING
Once combined, add the olive oil, lemon juice, spices, salt, and pepper to a jar. Seal it with the lid and give it a good shake to mix up the dressing.
STEP 4 – ASSEMBLE & SERVE
Now it’s time to toss that salad! Pour the dressing on top of the salad and toss well to combine. Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
Customize it however you’d like. Don’t worry too much about exact measurements when it comes to the add-ins. If you want more tomato, go for it. More spicy salami? You do you.
Make a big batch for meal prep! My lupini bean pasta stays tender and sturdy over the course of several days. A bit of prep time, and you’ll have delicious work-from-home lunches that hold up well on-the-go, too.
Storage
Store any leftover high-protein pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days, depending on how fresh the chopped veggies look.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Mediterranean Cucumber Salad
- Air Fryer Pasta Bake
- Keto Lasagna Soup
- Lupin Flour Pizza Crust (Low Carb, High Protein)
- Healthy Asian Short Ribs
High Protein Pasta Salad
If you're in search of a summer salad for a backyard barbecue or a tasty side dish for a special gathering that is ALSO low-carb, this high-protein pasta salad recipe is IT. Unlike your typical pasta salad, my Kaizen Lupini Pasta is used as its base — a low-carb, high-protein alternative to regular pasta.
Ingredients
- 1, 8-ounce box Kaizen Food Company low-carb pasta (any variety)
- 1-quart cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
- ¾ English cucumber, cubed
- ½ red onion, chopped small
- 1 large handful flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- ¾ cup black olives, sliced in half
- ½ cup roasted red bell pepper, sliced thin (for convenience, I use jarred red peppers)
- 4 ounces spicy Italian salami, cubed
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the low-carb pasta for 5-8 minutes (about 5 minutes for al dente). Drain it and run the pasta under cold water.
- Transfer the pasta to a large mixing bowl and set aside.
- Add the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, olives, roasted red peppers, and salami to the pasta. Toss to combine well.
- Add the olive oil, lemon juice, spices, salt, and pepper to a jar. Seal it with the lid and give it a good shake to mix up the dressing.
- Pour the dressing on top of the salad and toss well to combine.
Notes
Store any leftover high-protein pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days, depending on how fresh the chopped veggies look.
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