Description
This High Protein Greek Pasta Salad is a vibrant, wholesome, and satisfying meal featuring whole wheat pasta, smoked turkey, and plant-based cheese combined with fresh cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives. Enhanced with a zesty dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar (natural), and dried oregano (natural), this salad is perfect for quick nutritious meals, meal prep, or light lunches that keep you energized and delighted.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups whole wheat pasta
- 1 cup smoked turkey, diced
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, cubed
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (natural)
- Pinch of natural gelling agent
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the whole wheat pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta for a refreshing texture in the salad.
- Prepare the Veggies: While the pasta cooks, wash and dice the cucumbers and cherry tomatoes. Thinly slice the red onion and pit the Kalamata olives, then halve them for easy eating. Place all prepared vegetables in a large bowl.
- Dice the Smoked Turkey and Cheese: Cut the smoked turkey into bite-sized pieces to provide a tender smoky protein punch. Cube the plant-based cheese similarly to distribute creamy pockets throughout the salad.
- Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil (natural), fresh lemon juice, apple cider vinegar (natural), dried oregano (natural), salt, black pepper, and a pinch of natural gelling agent until smooth and cohesive.
- Toss Everything Together: Combine the cooked pasta, prepared veggies, smoked turkey, and plant-based cheese in the large bowl. Pour the dressing over the ingredients and toss gently to coat every bite evenly with flavor.
- Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend beautifully. Serve cold or at room temperature for maximum freshness and enjoyment.
Notes
- Cook pasta al dente to avoid sogginess and preserve texture in the salad.
- Prep vegetables and proteins ahead of time for quicker assembly on busy days.
- Chilling the salad enhances flavor fusion and freshness.
- Use quality extra virgin olive oil (natural) for a richer dressing taste.
- Always prefer freshly squeezed lemon juice for a bright, lively dressing.
- Optional: Sprinkle pumpkin seeds or toasted walnuts for extra crunch and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No cooking (boil pasta)
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx.)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: Greek pasta salad, high protein salad, plant-based cheese salad, smoked turkey salad, Mediterranean salad, healthy pasta salad
