Description
A refreshing and protein-packed pasta salad featuring Barilla protein pasta tossed with crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, sweet bell pepper, savory salami, tangy kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese. This dish is dressed with a luscious Greek yogurt-based Italian dressing, making it a delightful, healthy meal or side that’s quick to prepare and perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 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 according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse with cold water immediately to cool it down quickly and stop the cooking process. Drain thoroughly to remove excess water.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, Persian cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, diced bell pepper, salami strips, kalamata olives, and sliced green onions. Pour in about two-thirds of the creamy Italian Greek yogurt dressing over the ingredients.
- Combine Thoroughly: Use a rubber spatula or spoon to gently mix all the ingredients together, ensuring the dressing is evenly distributed throughout the salad without crushing the vegetables or salami.
- Add Feta and Dressing: Sprinkle the cubed or crumbled feta cheese evenly over the top of the salad. If desired, drizzle the remaining dressing over the salad and carefully fold it in to meld flavors while keeping the feta intact.
- Serve or Store: Serve the pasta salad immediately for optimal freshness and texture or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 5 days, making it an excellent option for make-ahead meals or meal prep.
Notes
- Use salted water to enhance the pasta’s flavor during cooking.
- Rinsing pasta after cooking helps cool it quickly and prevents clumping in the salad.
- This salad can be customized with different vegetables or proteins based on your preference.
- Make sure to gently fold the feta into the salad to avoid breaking it up too much.
- The salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 5 days, perfect for prepping lunches or light dinners in advance.
