Protein Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is packed with nutrient rich carbohydrates, high quality protein, and a satisfying amount of fat for when you need a quick and easy meal on the go.

If you love pasta but are worried that having it for a meal is bad, then think again.

Yes, pasta is mostly carbohydrates but when combined with high protein sources such as tuna, chicken, or beef it can be the perfect meal or side dish. This Protein Pasta Salad is easy to make and many of the ingredients can be found right in your pantry. I love to make it with canned Albacore tuna but feel free to use any protein you like.

When making this Pasta Salad select any type of pasta you like and feel free to change up the veggies according to your taste. I also like to use pantry goods such as jarred roasted red peppers and capers for color appeal and these ingredients provide a nice briny flavor. Think ingredients with a lot of crunch and make sure to chop everything bite size so that you get all the goods on each fork full. The dressing is what makes this salad. I guarantee once you start making homemade dressing you'll never want store bought again.

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 2 Cups Cooked Pasta cooled, I love a fun shapes like Cavatappi. This pasta is nice and curly!

• 4 - 5oz. Cans Albacore Tuna, drained and chopped (Roasted Chicken is great too!)

• 2 Mini Cucumbers, diced

• 1 Orange Pepper, diced (Use any color you like)

• 1/2 Red Onion, minced

• 1/2 Cup Roasted Red Peppers, drained and diced

• 2 Tbsp Capers, drained

• 2 to 3 Tbsp Fresh Parsley, minced

For the Dressing:

• 3 Tbsp Red Wine Vinegar

• 3 Tbsp Plain Greek Yogurt

• 1Tbsp Mayo (If you don't like mayo, use 4Tbsp Greek Yogurt)

• 1 Tbsp Olive Oil

• 1 tsp Garlic Powder

• 1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard

• 1/2 tsp Sea Salt

• 1/4 tsp Pepper

• Juice of 1 Lemon

The Method:

1. In a large bowl, add all the salad ingredients.

2. In a jar or small bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients until smooth annd well combined.

3. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients.

4. Toss everything until well combined and all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.

It's that simple!

Make 4 Servings.

Enjoy! xx