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Top-down view of a High-Protein Italian Pasta Salad showing glossy rotini, halved tomatoes, and herb vinaigrette.

High-Protein Italian Pasta Salad: The Ultimate Meal Prep Guide

This High-Protein Italian Pasta Salad features tri-color rotini, savory salami, and fresh mozzarella pearls tossed in a zesty herb vinaigrette. Perfect for meal prep, this vibrant dish is packed with protein and Mediterranean flavors.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 cups
Course: Lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 385
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Recipe Ingredients
  • 16 oz Tri-color rotini pasta 454g, cooked al dente
  • 6 oz Salami 170g, sliced into half-moons
  • 8 oz Mozzarella pearls 225g, fresh ciliegine
  • 1 pint Cherry tomatoes halved
  • 6 oz Black olives sliced
  • 1/2 small Red onion finely diced
  • 1 cup Herb vinaigrette 240ml, golden Italian dressing
  • 1 tbsp Dried oregano
  • 2 tbsp Fresh parsley finely chopped

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot For boiling pasta
  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl For combining ingredients

Method
 

Cook the Pasta
  1. Boil the tri-color rotini in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water immediately.
  2. Slice the salami into half-moons, halve the cherry tomatoes, and dice the red onion.
Assemble and Toss
  1. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, salami, mozzarella, tomatoes, olives, and onion.
  2. Pour the herb vinaigrette over the salad. Toss well to coat. Garnish heavily with dried oregano and fresh parsley.

Notes

Rinse the pasta under cold water to keep the dressing glossy and prevent clumping.
Let the salad chill for 30 minutes for the best flavor development.