Simple High Protein Broccoli Pasta Salad
A delightful, high-protein pasta salad packed with fresh broccoli, chickpeas, and colorful veggies, perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Cold Preparation
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked pasta (e.g., fusilli or penne)
- 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add in your pasta of choice. Cook according to package instructions until al dente—usually about 8-10 minutes.
- Blanch the Broccoli: While the pasta cooks, bring a small pot of water to a boil and add the broccoli. Blanch for about 2 minutes until bright green.
- Mix Everything Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, blanched broccoli, drained chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese (if using).
- Dress the Salad: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour this dressing over the salad mixture and toss well to coat.
- Chill and Serve: Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. When ready to serve, give it a good toss and adjust the seasoning.
Notes
This salad is versatile and can be made ahead of time. Enjoy chilled for the best flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: broccoli pasta salad, high protein salad, vegetarian salad, healthy pasta salad, quick salad recipe