High Protein Italian Pasta Salad 

This zesty Italian pasta salad is brimming with over 30 g of protein per serving, thanks to a delicious mix of protein-rich ingredients like turkey pepperoni, ham, salami, and chick‑pea or protein‑enriched pasta. It’s ready in just 30 minutes and chilled for enhanced flavors—perfect for meal prep, packed lunches, or quick dinners that taste fresh and satisfying 

Ingredients

• 1 8 oz box protein or chickpea pasta (any shape)
  
  

• 8 oz smoked deli ham, chopped
  
  

• 5 oz light Italian dry salami, sliced or diced
  
  

• 5 oz turkey pepperoni, sliced
  
  

• 1 large bell pepper (red, yellow, or orange), diced
  
  

• 1 medium cucumber, diced
  
  

• ½ red onion, finely chopped
  
  

• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  
  

• 4 slices ultra-thin provolone cheese, chopped or torn
  
  

• ¾ cup light Italian dressing
  
  

• Fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped (to taste)
  
  

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
   
   

2. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, ham, salami, turkey pepperoni, bell pepper, cucumber, and red onion.
   
   

3. Toss in the light Italian dressing until everything is evenly coated.
   
   

4. Stir in feta, provolone, and fresh basil gently.
   
   

5. Chill in the fridge for at least 10–15 minutes before serving to deepen the flavors.
   
   

Nutrients (per serving; recipe yields 6)

• Calories: approx. 450–500 kcal
  
  

• Protein: 30 g+ (thanks to pasta and meats)
  
  

• Carbohydrates: depends on pasta choice (standard vs. chickpea)
  
  

• Fat & Sodium: moderate to high (from cured meats and cheese)—adjust by choosing light or low-sodium varieties