Description
This High Protein Greek Pasta Salad is a vibrant, tasty, and nourishing dish combining smoky turkey bacon, creamy plant-based feta, and a colorful medley of fresh vegetables. Packed with protein and natural flavors, it is perfect for meal prepping, summer meals, or anytime you want a quick, fresh, and satisfying salad.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- Whole wheat pasta – 8 oz
- Smoked turkey bacon – 6 slices
- Feta (plant-based) – 1 cup, crumbled
- Cherry tomatoes – 1 cup, halved
- Cucumber – 1 medium, diced
- Red onion – 1 small, thinly sliced
- Kalamata olives – 1/2 cup, pitted and halved
- Fresh parsley – 1/4 cup, finely chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- Lemon juice (natural) – 3 tablespoons
- Olive oil (natural) – 3 tablespoons
- Garlic (natural) – 1 clove, minced
- Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste
- Black pepper – 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add whole wheat pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking and keep the pasta from sticking.
- Prepare the Turkey Bacon: Slice smoked turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the turkey bacon until crispy and browned. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Chop the Veggies and Herbs: Wash and halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber into small cubes, thinly slice red onion, pit and halve Kalamata olives, and finely chop fresh parsley. Combine for a mix of textures and colors.
- Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice (natural), olive oil (natural), minced garlic (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Combine and Toss: In a large mixing bowl, add cooked pasta, turkey bacon, chopped vegetables, and crumbled plant-based feta. Pour the dressing over and toss gently but thoroughly to ensure even coating. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.
Notes
- Cook pasta al dente to keep firm texture and prevent mushiness after mixing.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice (natural) for the dressing to enhance brightness.
- Add turkey bacon just before serving to maintain crispness.
- If adding nuts or seeds, toast them in a dry pan to boost flavor and crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Greek pasta salad, high protein salad, turkey bacon salad, plant-based feta, healthy pasta salad, Mediterranean salad
