Go Back Email Link
protein pasta salad

Protein Pasta Salad

Helen Ridgeway Helen Ridgeway
Number 22 in my series of Fifty Fantastic Salads is this easy Protein Pasta Salad. Perfect for a filling lunch or an easy dinner for the whole family. With 28g of protein and over 10g of fibre per serving it will fill you up too!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course, Salad
Servings 5
Calories 534 kcal

Ingredients
 

Salad Ingredients:

  • 3 cups chickpea or red lentil pasta (300g)
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • Large bunch of asparagus
  • 1 cup protein of choice I used smoked tofu (about 250g)
  • 2 cups spinach (60g)

Pesto ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts (70g)
  • Large bunch of basil (about 30g)
  • Juice of a lemon
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 4 tbsp nutritional yeast
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • A few grinds of black pepper
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp water

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pan of water to the boil. Add the pasta and bring back to the boil. Turn down the heat and simmer until cooked. Depending on the type of pasta you use, the cooking times may vary. Follow packet instructions. Once cooked, drain, rinse in cold water and set aside.
  • Add 2 tsp of olive oil to a frying or griddle pan. Add the asparagus and cook for 4-5 minutes until charred. Remove from the heat and chop into chunks.
  • To make the green pesto sauce, add all the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. I use half oil, half water but adjust to your own preference.
  • Chop the smoked tofu (or protein of choice) into chunks and chop the spinach into bite sized strips.
  • Add the cooked pasta to a large serving bowl. Add the asparagus, tofu and spinach and pour over the pesto. Mix well, season to taste and serve.

Notes

  • This will store in the fridge for about 4 days. I don’t recommend freezing.
  • The nutritional information is based on the recipe serving 5 but depending on portion sizes this could stretch to 6. It is also based upon the protein I used and the specific pasta choice.
  • I used smoked tofu as a protein source but use any protein you would like.
  • I used chickpea pasta but again, use any pasta for this salad. 

Nutrition

Calories: 534kcalCarbohydrates: 37.1gProtein: 28.1gFat: 28.2gSaturated Fat: 4gFiber: 10.3g
Keyword pasta salad, pesto salad, protein salad
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!