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Handheld photo of High-Protein Italian Pasta Salad featuring rotini, salami, tomatoes, and cucumbers on a grey stone surface. (High-Protein Italian Pasta Salad)

High-Protein Italian Pasta Salad: The Ultimate Easy Meal Prep Recipe

This High-Protein Italian Pasta Salad features al dente rotini, marbled salami, and fresh mozzarella pearls tossed in a zesty herb-flecked vinaigrette. Perfect for healthy meal prep and vibrant, protein-packed weekday lunches that satisfy.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 cups
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Salad
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 pound (450g) rotini pasta boiled al dente
  • 8 oz (225g) cured salami thin circular slices
  • 8 oz (225g) fresh mozzarella pearls drained
  • 2 cups (300g) cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 large English cucumber sliced into quarter-moons
  • 1/2 small red onion thin slivers
  • 1 can (170g) black olives sliced
  • 1 cup (240ml) Italian dressing herb-flecked vinaigrette
  • 1/4 cup (10g) fresh parsley finely chopped

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot For boiling pasta
  • 1 Large Ceramic Bowl For mixing and serving
  • 1 Whisk For the dressing

Method
 

Cook the Pasta
  1. Cook the rotini pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente.
  2. Drain the pasta and let it cool for 10 minutes in a large bowl.
Assemble the Salad
  1. Add the sliced salami, halved cherry tomatoes, cucumber quarter-moons, red onion slivers, mozzarella pearls, and sliced olives to the bowl with the pasta.
  2. Pour the herb-flecked Italian dressing over the mixture and toss until the pasta is coated and glossy.
  3. Top with chopped fresh parsley flakes and serve immediately or chill.

Notes

Ensure the pasta is still slightly warm when adding the dressing for better absorption.
Use English cucumbers to avoid excess water release in the salad.