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A handheld smartphone photo of High-Protein Italian Pasta Salad showing the glossy herb vinaigrette and vibrant bell peppers.

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

This High-Protein Italian Pasta Salad features rotini pasta, savory salami, fresh mozzarella pearls, and crunchy peppers tossed in a glossy Italian herb vinaigrette. Perfect for healthy meal prep and vibrant summer lunches.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 cups
Course: Lunch, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 442
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Recipe
  • 1 lb (450g) Rotini Pasta Cooked al dente
  • 8 oz (225g) Salami Thinly sliced and quartered
  • 8 oz (225g) Fresh Mozzarella Pearls Drained
  • 1 cup (150g) Red Bell Pepper Diced
  • 1 cup (150g) Yellow Bell Pepper Diced
  • 1/2 cup (75g) Black Olives Sliced
  • 1 cup (240ml) Italian Herb Vinaigrette Translucent with red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Finely chopped
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot For boiling pasta
  • 1 Mixing Bowl Large enough to toss all ingredients
  • 4 Glass Meal Prep Containers For storage

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Boil rotini pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse immediately with cold water to ensure a glossy finish.
  2. Quarter the salami slices, dice the red and yellow bell peppers, and slice the black olives into uniform pieces.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, salami, mozzarella pearls, peppers, and olives.
  4. Pour the Italian herb vinaigrette over the salad. Add fresh parsley and dried oregano. Toss until every piece is coated in a glossy, translucent sheen.

Notes

Rinse your pasta under cold water to keep it from sticking and to ensure the dressing stays clear.
Let the salad sit for 30 minutes before eating so the flavors can fully meld.