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A closeup of pasta salad with tasty veggies on top.
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High Protein Pasta Salad

This Protein Pasta Salad is a fresh and filling dish packed with plant-based protein, crisp veggies, and a tangy lemon dressing—ready in 30 minutes!
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Diet Vegan, Vegetarian
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 293kcal
Author Marly McMillen

Ingredients

  • 8 oz protein rotini pasta (chickpea, lentil, or other high-protein pasta)
  • 1 cup shelled edamame
  • 1 cup kalamata olives
  • 1 cup cucumber , diced (substitute diced zucchini)
  • 1 cup red bell pepper , diced
  • ¼ cup red onion , finely diced
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley , chopped

For the Dressing:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (substitute white wine vinegar)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • ½ teaspoon salt (more to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Optional Protein Boosts

  • ½ cup chickpeas or white beans
  • ½ cup cubed baked tofu or tempeh)
Cups - Metric

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta: Prepare the protein rotini according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
    Pasta is being poured into a bowl with veggies in it.
  • Prepare the veggies: While the pasta cooks, chop your vegetables and steam/defrost the edamame.
  • Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
  • Assemble: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, edamame, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, corn, and parsley.
    Dressing is being poured over pasta salad with colorful veggies.
  • Toss & Chill: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Adjust seasoning to taste. For best flavor, chill for 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Marly’s Tips ✨

  • Swap in quinoa pasta for a protein-rich, gluten-free pasta option.
  • Add avocado chunks for creaminess.
  • Sprinkle with hemp seeds or pumpkin seeds for an extra protein punch.
  • Meal prep friendly! Stays fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 293kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Sodium: 653mg | Potassium: 280mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1106IU | Vitamin C: 39mg | Calcium: 75mg | Iron: 5mg
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