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Vegetarian Protein Pasta Salad Bowl

Perfect Vegetarian Protein Pasta Salad Bowl Recipe

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A vibrant pasta salad packed with plant-based protein from chickpeas and cheese. This dish combines tender rotini pasta with kale, corn, and a zesty lemon dressing for a satisfying meal.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 2 tsp maple syrup
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 190 grams (about 2 cups) protein rotini pasta
  • 2 cups corn, thawed if frozen
  • 1 Tbsp avocado oil (or other high heat cooking oil)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 cups lacinato kale, shredded/thinly sliced
  • 1 19 oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup feta cheese, cut into ¼ inch cubes
  • ⅓ cup sundried tomatoes in oil, oil drained and roughly chopped
  • 1 bunch basil, roughly chopped
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain it and set it aside.
  2. Preheat your oven to broil. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. Place the corn on the sheet. Add avocado oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
  4. Broil the corn for 3-5 minutes, tossing halfway. Watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn. It’s done when browned but still tender. Remove from oven and set aside.
  5. In a large bowl, combine all dressing ingredients: olive oil, lemon juice, dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, maple syrup, and salt. Whisk them together.
  6. Add the kale to the bowl with the dressing. Massage the dressing into the leaves to tenderize them.
  7. Add the cooked pasta, chickpeas, corn, feta, sundried tomatoes, and basil to the bowl. Toss everything to combine.
  8. Season with more salt and pepper to your taste. Top with extra basil if you like. Serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

  • You can eat this salad warm right away or let it cool completely.
  • Use any high-heat cooking oil if you don’t have avocado oil.
  • Massaging the kale makes it softer and easier to eat.
  • Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
  • Author: Livia Reed
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Boiling, Broiling, Tossing
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
  • Calories: 580
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 32g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 58g
  • Fiber: 9g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg