~150 Calories • ~12g Protein • 20 Minutes • Makes 4 Servings
Love pasta salad but want something lighter and more balanced?
Traditional pasta salad can easily become a heavy side dish. This colorful version uses chickpea pasta, cottage cheese or feta, fresh vegetables and blueberries to create a lighter option that still feels satisfying.
With approximately 12g of protein and 150 calories per serving, it’s an easy way to bring more protein and fresh ingredients to your plate without giving up the pasta dishes you enjoy.
And because it takes about 20 minutes, it works just as well for a quick lunch or side dish as it does for summer cookouts and gatherings.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Higher in protein: Chickpea pasta and cheese provide approximately 12g of protein per serving.
Calorie-conscious: Approximately 150 calories per serving.
Fresh and colorful: Tomatoes, cucumber, blueberries, red onion and basil add plenty of variety.
Quick to prepare: Ready in approximately 20 minutes.
Great for gatherings: Easy to prepare ahead and serve chilled.
More than a holiday recipe: The red, white and blue ingredients make it perfect for July 4th, but the recipe works all summer and beyond.
Ingredients
1 cup (56g) dry chickpea pasta, cooked
½ cup (75g) low-fat cottage cheese or feta cheese, crumbled
½ cup (75g) cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup (75g) blueberries
½ cup (75g) cucumber, diced
¼ cup (30g) red onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
1 tsp (5ml) lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta
Cook the chickpea pasta according to package instructions. Rinse with cold water and drain well.
2. Combine the salad
In a large bowl, combine the pasta, cottage cheese or feta, tomatoes, blueberries, cucumber, red onion and basil.
3. Make the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
4. Toss
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and gently toss until combined.
5. Chill and serve
Chill for 15–20 minutes if desired, then serve cold.
Nutrition & Recipe Details
Makes: 4 servings
Calories: ~150 per serving
Protein: ~12g per serving
Ready in: Approximately 20 minutes
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients and brands used.