Description
This High Protein Greek Pasta Salad combines whole wheat pasta, crisp fresh vegetables, smoky turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based cheese for a vibrant, flavorful, and protein-packed meal. Perfect for meal prep, entertaining, or a refreshing lunch, it balances hearty ingredients with bright, authentic Greek flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 2 cups whole wheat pasta
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 1 cup plant-based feta style cheese, cubed
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (natural)
- 1 garlic clove, minced (natural)
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Begin by boiling 2 cups of whole wheat pasta in salted water until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
- Prepare the smoked turkey bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook 6 slices of smoked turkey bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop fresh vegetables: Dice 1 medium cucumber, halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, thinly slice ½ small red onion, and roughly chop ¼ cup fresh parsley for fresh and crisp texture.
- Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta, chopped vegetables, ½ cup halved kalamata olives, smoked turkey bacon pieces, and 1 cup cubed plant-based feta style cheese. Gently stir to mix.
- Whisk the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper until smooth and emulsified.
- Toss and chill: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until all ingredients are evenly coated. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Use warm pasta when tossing with dressing to absorb flavors better.
- Chop cucumbers and tomatoes just before mixing to keep them fresh and crisp.
- Adjust the acidity in the dressing by tasting and varying apple cider vinegar or substituting with grape juice (natural) for sweetness.
- Fresh oregano or basil can be added for additional herbaceous flavor.
- Toss ingredients gently to avoid mashing the plant-based cheese and tomatoes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Greek pasta salad, high protein salad, plant-based cheese salad, Mediterranean pasta, healthy lunch, smoked turkey bacon salad, whole wheat pasta salad
