Name: High-Protein Pasta Salad Recipe (Easy & Fresh)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 12 oz. Fusilli Protein Pasta Brami; 1 small red bell pepper (chopped (150g)); 1/2 English cucumber (chopped (135g)); 1.5 cups broccoli florets (finely chopped (125g)); 1 cup cherry tomatoes (chopped (145g)); 1/4 cup red onion (chopped); 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped); 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped); 1.5 oz. fat free feta cheese (crumbled); 2.25 oz. sliced black olives (drained); Salt and pepper (to taste); 1/3 cup olive oil; 4 tbsp. balsamic vinegar ((50g)); 1 tbsp. dijon mustard; 1/4 tsp. Italian seasoning; 1 garlic clove (minced); Salt and pepper (to taste)

This protein pasta salad is the kind of dish that makes healthy eating genuinely exciting. Packed with fresh vegetables, bold herbs, and a tangy balsamic dressing, it’s a meal you’ll actually look forward to. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, bringing a dish to a summer cookout, or just need a satisfying lunch that keeps you full, this recipe delivers. It comes together in about 30 minutes, and the longer it sits, the better it tastes. Trust us — this one is a keeper.

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s loaded with protein. Using Brami Fusilli Protein Pasta as the base means every bite works harder for your macros without sacrificing taste or texture.
Meal prep friendly. This salad actually gets better after chilling in the fridge, making it perfect to make ahead and enjoy all week long.
Fresh and colorful. Between the crunchy bell pepper, juicy cherry tomatoes, and bright herbs, every forkful is vibrant and satisfying.
The dressing is chef’s kiss. A simple homemade balsamic vinaigrette with dijon mustard and garlic ties everything together beautifully.
Endlessly flexible. You can easily swap veggies or adjust seasonings to suit your taste — this recipe is very forgiving.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

12 oz. Fusilli Protein Pasta Brami
1 small red bell pepper, chopped (150g)
1/2 English cucumber, chopped (135g)
1.5 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped (125g)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped (145g)
1/4 cup red onion, chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1.5 oz. fat free feta cheese, crumbled
2.25 oz. can of sliced black olives, drained
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Dressing:

1/3 cup olive oil
4 tbsp. balsamic vinegar (50g)
1 tbsp. dijon mustard
1/4 tsp. Italian seasoning
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

Notes & Substitutions:

Can’t find Brami protein pasta? Any high-protein or chickpea-based fusilli will work well. Regular feta cheese can replace fat free feta if preferred. Red wine vinegar can be used in place of balsamic for a lighter, sharper dressing. Feel free to swap in any fresh vegetables you have on hand — zucchini, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers are all great additions.

Instructions

Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the Brami Fusilli Protein Pasta according to the package directions. For a pasta salad, aim for the shorter end of the cooking time range — a slightly chewier noodle holds up much better once tossed with dressing and chilled. Drain well and set aside.
Make the dressing. While the pasta cooks, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a jar or small container. Seal tightly and shake vigorously, or whisk together until the dressing is fully emulsified. The dijon acts as a natural emulsifier, helping the oil and vinegar come together smoothly. Set aside.
Chop your vegetables. Finely chop the broccoli florets so they’re bite-sized and easy to eat. Chop the red bell pepper, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Drain the black olives. Crumble the feta and roughly chop the parsley and basil.
Combine everything. Add the drained pasta to a large mixing bowl. Pour in all the chopped vegetables, herbs, crumbled feta, black olives, and the dressing. Toss thoroughly so every piece of pasta is well coated and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Chill before serving. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time lets the flavors meld together and the pasta absorb the dressing — don’t skip it! The salad will taste noticeably better after this step.
Taste and adjust. Once out of the fridge, give the salad a good stir and taste. Season with additional salt, pepper, or a little extra dijon mustard as needed. Protein pasta can absorb dressing quickly, so don’t be surprised if it needs a small touch-up before serving.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Most common mistake: Overcooking the pasta. Soft, mushy noodles fall apart in a cold salad and won’t hold up over time. Always pull them on the chewier side.

Tip 1: Salt your pasta water generously — it’s the best opportunity to build flavor from the inside out.

Tip 2: Let the dressing sit for a few minutes after making it so the garlic can bloom and deepen in flavor.

Troubleshooting: If your salad tastes bland after chilling, it likely needs more salt or an extra splash of balsamic vinegar. A pinch of salt and a tiny squeeze of dijon can bring everything back to life instantly.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Serving: Serve this protein pasta salad chilled straight from the fridge. It works beautifully as a standalone meal or as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, shrimp, or fish.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. Stir before eating and re-season as needed, since the pasta will continue absorbing the dressing over time.

Reheating: Best enjoyed cold, but it can be served at room temperature if preferred.

Variations:

Add more protein: Toss in grilled chicken strips, canned tuna, or hard-boiled eggs.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little heat.
Go Mediterranean: Add sun-dried tomatoes and swap parsley for fresh mint for a different flavor profile.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition is estimated per serving based on approximately 4 servings. Values may vary depending on exact ingredients and brands used.

Nutrient	Per Serving
Calories	~420 kcal
Protein	~28g
Carbohydrates	~42g
Fat	~16g
Fiber	~7g
Sugar	~6g
Sodium	~480mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this protein pasta salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad is actually better the next day once the flavors have had time to develop. Just give it a good stir and a quick taste before serving to see if it needs extra seasoning.

What is Brami Fusilli Protein Pasta?

Brami is a brand that makes high-protein pasta using lupini flour, which delivers significantly more protein per serving than traditional pasta. It’s a great option if you’re looking to boost your protein intake without changing how you eat.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes! While fusilli is ideal because its spirals hold onto the dressing and mix-ins, penne, rotini, or farfalle all work wonderfully in this recipe.

Conclusion

This protein pasta salad truly checks every box — it’s fresh, flavorful, filling, and incredibly easy to pull together. Whether you’re a meal prep pro or just looking for a wholesome dish to share at your next gathering, this recipe won’t let you down. Give it a try and make it your own! If you loved this recipe, please leave a rating and a comment below — we’d love to hear how it turned out. Don’t forget to tag us on social media so we can see your beautiful bowls!