Say hello to your new favorite summer side (or main!)—this High Protein Creamy Pasta Salad is bringing the flavor and the fuel. With 20 grams of protein per serving and a solid dose of veggies, it’s the kind of dish that shows up to the potluck and steals the spotlight.
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Creamy High Protein Pasta Salad Recipe
This Creamy High Protein Pasta Salad is a delicious and nutritious pasta salad recipe that packs in protein by combining cheese, salami and protein pasta (though regular pasta will also work) in a creamy Italian dressing made with Greek yogurt.
You’re gonna love the bold flavors in this meal prep-friendly salad—it’s the perfect high-protein pick-me-up for work or school lunches. Like my Lentil Pasta Salad and Orzo Pesto Pasta Salad, it’s also a fantastic option for potlucks, picnics, or an easy summer dinner when it’s too hot for actual cooking.
My secret weapon that makes this salad next level is creamy and zesty homemade salad dressing made with Greek yogurt and mayo.
Why This Pasta Salad Is High in Protein
This pasta salad is built to be filling and satisfying, thanks to a few simple, protein-rich ingredients:
- Protein pasta adds a solid protein base compared to regular pasta
- Cheese boosts both flavor and protein
- Salami adds hearty protein (swap for chicken, turkey, or chickpeas if you prefer)
- Optional add-ins like beans or edamame can increase the protein even more
That’s it — simple ingredients, intentional choices, and a pasta salad that keeps you full.
Ingredients
- Barilla protein pasta - I used cellentani but any shape will work
- Persian cucumbers - cut into half slices
- Cherry tomatoes - halved
- Kalamata olives - sliced
- Green onions - sliced thin
- Feta cheese - cubed small or crumbled
- Salami - cut into thin strips
- Bell pepper - diced. I like to use yellow or orange for color.
- Creamy Greek Yogurt Italian Salad Dressing - I use my homemade Italian dressing made with Greek yogurt, red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, and dijon mustard. You can use your favorite bottled brand, if you have no time or ingredients to make your own.
See recipe card for quantities.
Step by step Instructions
- Step 1: Boil pasta in a large pot of water to al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and rinse well with cold water to cool.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl combine the cooked pasta, prepared vegetables and sliced salami.
- Step 3: Add feta cheese and pour in ⅔ of the dressing.
- Step 4: Mix well with a rubber spatula or a spoon. Add more dressing, if you want!
Tips & Substitutions
- Any pasta will work for this recipe - regular, whole wheat, chickpea or brown rice pasta will all work but the protein content will vary.
- I like to use penne, rotini, cavatappi, or bowtie pasta for my pasta salads.
- If you don't like salami, you can use turkey, pepperoni, ham or other deli meat instead.
- For a more pronounced onion flavor, swap green onions for chopped or sliced red onion.
- I like this salad with briny feta cheese, but you can also use fresh mozzarella or grated parmesan cheese.
- English cucumber or other seedless cucumber is a good sub for Persian cucumbers if you can’t find them.
- For extra fiber, add a can of strained and rinsed chickpeas or white beans
- Make sure you get pitted kalamatas or you’ll spend a lot of time removing the pits
- Kalamata olives can be swapped for black olives or green olives.
- Make sure to cook the pasta al dente - you don't want mushy pasta in this salad.
- Use a gluten-free pasta like chickpea or other flour alternative pasta if required.
- Drain the pasta really well so the end result isn’t watery or runny.
- Add some fresh herbs like chopped fresh basil or fresh parsley before serving.
Best protein pasta options
- Barilla Protein+: A blend of lentils, chickpeas, and peas; familiar pasta feel with extra protein - that's my top choice in terms of flavor and texture.
- Banza: Made from chickpeas with over 20g of protein per serving.
- Brami: low carb, high protein - made with semolina and lupini beans.
- Explore Cuisine: Unique options like edamame and black bean pasta; plant-based and protein-packed. They also have red lentil pasta.
Top Tip
If you want even more protein, add some cooked cubed or shredded chicken (or rotisserie chicken), chopped hard boiled eggs, and/or cooked bacon bits.
FAQ
Yes. Skip the salami or swap it with chickpeas, white beans, black beans, or extra feta for a meat-free, high-protein option.
If dairy is an issue, you can still make this salad! Just omit the feta or use a plant-based version and a dairy-free dressing
I love using Creamy Italian Dressing, made with Greek yogurt for a tangy, protein-rich twist. You can also go with a classic vinaigrette, Caesar dressing, or your favorite store-bought option.
Freezing pasta salad is not recommended. There are definite “texture issues” upon thawing.
Both crumbled and block-style feta work great - just go for the best quality and flavor you can find.
More high protein salads
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Recipe
High Protein Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 8 oz Barilla protein pasta
- 2 Persian cucumbers cut into half slices
- 8 oz cherry tomatoes halved
- ¼ cup kalamata olives sliced
- 2 green onions sliced thin
- 4 oz feta cheese cubed small or crumbled
- 3 oz salami cut into thin strips
- ½ bell pepper diced, yellow or orange
- ⅔ cup creamy Italian salad dressing with Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain on a colander and rinse with cold water to cool. Drain well.
- In a large mixing bowl combine the cooked pasta, cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, salami, kalamata olives and green onions. Pour in ⅔ of the creamy Italian dressing.
- Mix well with a rubber spatula or a spoon.
- Sprinkle with feta cheese and add the remaining dressing (if desired). Mix gently to incorporate.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Notes
Nutrition
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Meet the Author
Hi, I'm Agnieszka. I'm a mom of three and recipe developer, writer and photographer behind Wholly Tasteful. I love creating comforting, delicious, family-friendly recipes that you can feel good about.
Andrea says
Tried this for meal prep with Barilla Protein+ pasta and subbed chickpeas for salami—super satisfying, held up great in the fridge, and that yogurt dressing is a winner.
Agnieszka says
Awesome. So glad you liked it, Andrea!
Criss says
This high-protein pasta salad was such a hit! Super easy to put together and really filling. I loved how the mix of pasta and protein kept me full for hours—definitely adding this to my meal prep rotation!
Ieva says
Yum! Made it last night with bowtie pasta and both my husband and I enjoyed it very much (love olives and feta!). Cannot wait for leftovers for lunch today! 🙂
Swathi says
This High protein pasta salad is colorful and delicious my family enjoyed it.
Bogusława says
Easy recipe. My whole family loved it.
Rani says
This High protein pasta salad is delicious and easy to put together thanks for sharing with me. they made excellent side dish.
Alfie says
Made this pasta salad and loved it! High protein, easy to prep, and perfect for lunch 🍝
Lathiya says
I loved this pasta salad. Delicious and protein rich. I had it as a my lunch along with some grilled fish.