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A vibrant bowl of High Protein Italian Pasta Salad with chicken, tomatoes, and mozzarella pearls

High Protein Italian Pasta Salad

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 485
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz chickpea -based rotini pasta
  • 1 lb grilled chicken breast, cooked and diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup English cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella pearls
  • 1/4 cup sliced black olives
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper

Method
 

  1. Boil the chickpea pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente, typically 7-9 minutes.
  2. Drain the pasta and rinse immediately under cold running water to remove excess starch and stop the cooking process.
  3. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
  4. In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, mozzarella pearls, and olives.
  5. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad components and toss thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
  6. Garnish with fresh parsley and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the dressing to penetrate the pasta and vegetables before serving.