Get ready to savor every bite of this delightful Protein Pasta Salad with Feta, Salami, and Greek Yogurt Dressing Recipe that’s bursting with vibrant colors, bold flavors, and a wonderful balance of textures. It perfectly combines hearty protein pasta with crisp veggies, savory salami, tangy feta, and a creamy, tangy Greek yogurt-infused dressing. Whether you need a quick lunch, a satisfying side, or a colorful potluck contribution, this salad will quickly become your new favorite go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays an important role in delivering the perfect harmony of taste, crunch, creaminess, and zest in this salad. Every component adds its own unique touch, making this dish a well-rounded crowd pleaser.
- 8 oz Barilla protein pasta: The star ingredient packed with extra protein and a chewy, satisfying texture.
- 2/3 cup creamy Italian salad dressing with Greek yogurt: Adds tangy creaminess and a light, refreshing finish without heaviness.
- 2 Persian cucumbers, cut into half slices: Provide a crisp, cool crunch to contrast the pasta’s softness.
- 8 oz cherry tomatoes, halved: Burst of juicy sweetness that brightens every forkful.
- 1/2 bell pepper, diced (yellow or orange): Adds vibrant color and a gentle natural sweetness.
- 2 green onions, sliced thin: Impart a subtle onion flavor that lifts the salad’s overall freshness.
- 3 oz salami, cut into thin strips: Brings a smoky, savory depth and hearty protein.
- 1/4 cup kalamata olives, sliced: Introduce briny, Mediterranean-style tang for complexity.
- 4 oz feta cheese, cubed small or crumbled: Creamy and salty, it’s the perfect finishing touch that melts flavor into every bite.
How to Make Protein Pasta Salad with Feta, Salami, and Greek Yogurt Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by boiling the Barilla protein pasta in salted water, following the package instructions to achieve the perfect al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water right away. This not only stops the cooking process but cools the pasta quickly for a refreshing salad. Make sure to drain it thoroughly so your salad doesn’t turn soggy.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the cooled pasta with every fresh vegetable: Persian cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, diced bell pepper, and sliced green onions. Add in your thin strips of salami and the sliced kalamata olives to build up layers of savory flavor and texture.
Step 3: Add Dressing and Toss
Pour in about two-thirds of your creamy Italian salad dressing with Greek yogurt. Then, using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, gently toss everything together ensuring each bite is beautifully coated with that luscious dressing. This step maximizes flavor distribution without crushing the delicate ingredients.
Step 4: Add Feta and Finish Dressing
Now sprinkle your cubed or crumbled feta cheese evenly on top. If you want a stronger dressing presence, drizzle the remaining dressing over the salad and fold it in carefully. This technique keeps the feta intact, allowing it to stand out both visually and taste-wise, while letting the flavors meld harmoniously.
Step 5: Serve or Store
You can enjoy this vibrant Protein Pasta Salad with Feta, Salami, and Greek Yogurt Dressing Recipe right away for the freshest bite. Alternatively, store it in an airtight container in your fridge and let the flavors deepen, knowing it will stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days.
How to Serve Protein Pasta Salad with Feta, Salami, and Greek Yogurt Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
For an inviting presentation, add a few sprigs of fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top to bring an herbal brightness. A light sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a dash of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick that pairs wonderfully with the mild creaminess of the Greek yogurt dressing and salty feta.
Side Dishes
This salad stands strong on its own but plays beautifully alongside grilled chicken or shrimp if you want to make it a heartier meal. For lighter sides, try crusty bread, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad to round out your plate without overwhelming the main star.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this salad in individual mason jars for grab-and-go lunches or picnic-ready portions. For dinner parties, arrange it on a large platter, garnished with extra feta cubes and colorful bell pepper slices, making for an eye-catching centerpiece that invites guests to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Portion the Protein Pasta Salad with Feta, Salami, and Greek Yogurt Dressing Recipe into airtight containers and refrigerate. It will keep wonderfully fresh for up to 5 days, making it perfect for meal prepping lunches or quick dinners throughout the week. Before serving leftovers, give it a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing.
Freezing
Because of the fresh vegetables and creamy Greek yogurt dressing, this salad isn’t ideal for freezing. The texture of cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta may suffer once thawed, so I recommend enjoying this salad fresh or refrigerated rather than frozen.
Reheating
This pasta salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary. If you prefer a slightly warmer salad, allow it to sit out for about 10-15 minutes or briefly microwave just the pasta portion before combining with the fresh veggies and dressing.
FAQs
Can I use regular pasta instead of protein pasta?
Absolutely! While Barilla protein pasta adds extra nutrition and a nice chewy texture, any pasta shape you enjoy will work well in this salad. Just cook it al dente and proceed with the same recipe steps.
Is there a substitute for the creamy Italian dressing with Greek yogurt?
If you can’t find creamy Italian dressing with Greek yogurt, you can make a quick homemade version by mixing Greek yogurt with Italian seasoning, a splash of vinegar, olive oil, and a pinch of garlic powder.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment by adding chopped spinach, roasted red peppers, or even artichoke hearts to customize this salad to your taste.
How long does this salad keep its best flavor?
The Protein Pasta Salad with Feta, Salami, and Greek Yogurt Dressing Recipe is freshest within the first 2-3 days but remains safe and tasty up to 5 days refrigerated when stored properly.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this salad is a fantastic option for meal prepping your lunches or light dinners since it keeps well and the flavors deepen over time without losing their appeal.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend enough that you try this Protein Pasta Salad with Feta, Salami, and Greek Yogurt Dressing Recipe the next time you want something hearty, refreshing, and packed with flavor. It’s a dish that never feels boring and is guaranteed to impress family and friends alike. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
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Protein Pasta Salad with Feta, Salami, and Greek Yogurt Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This Protein Pasta Salad with Feta, Salami, and Greek Yogurt Dressing is a delicious and nutritious meal that combines high-protein pasta with fresh vegetables, tangy feta, savory salami, and a creamy, healthy Greek yogurt-based dressing. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick lunch or a make-ahead meal that stays fresh for days.
Ingredients
Salad
- 8 oz Barilla protein pasta
- 2 Persian cucumbers, cut into half slices
- 8 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 bell pepper, diced (yellow or orange)
- 2 green onions, sliced thin
- 3 oz salami, cut into thin strips
- 1/4 cup kalamata olives, sliced
- 4 oz feta cheese, cubed small or crumbled
Dressing
- 2/3 cup creamy Italian salad dressing with Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the Barilla protein pasta in salted water following the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta using a colander and rinse with cold water to cool it down quickly. Drain thoroughly to remove excess water.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, Persian cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, diced bell pepper, salami strips, kalamata olives, and sliced green onions. Pour in two-thirds of the creamy Italian dressing with Greek yogurt.
- Combine Thoroughly: Using a rubber spatula or spoon, mix all the ingredients well so the dressing is evenly distributed throughout the salad.
- Add Feta and Dressing: Sprinkle the cubed or crumbled feta cheese on top. If desired, add the remaining dressing and gently fold it in so that the feta stays intact and the flavors meld without crushing the cheese.
- Serve or Store: Serve the pasta salad immediately for best freshness, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator where it will keep well for up to 5 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
Notes
- Use Barilla protein pasta or any high-protein pasta for added nutritional benefits.
- Rinsing the pasta in cold water stops the cooking process and prevents it from becoming mushy.
- You can substitute salami with turkey or chicken slices for a leaner option.
- The salad dressing with Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a healthier twist compared to traditional dressings.
- Store leftovers properly in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 5 days.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil for extra flavor, if desired.
