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Healthy High-Protein Pasta Salad Jar Recipe with Salami and Roasted Peppers for Easy Meal Prep

healthy high-protein pasta salad jar - featured image

A hearty and fresh pasta salad jar packed with protein from salami and the sweet bite of roasted peppers, perfect for quick meal prep and grab-and-go lunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) whole wheat or high-protein pasta (e.g., Barilla Protein+)
  • 4 oz (115 g) salami slices, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup (150 g) roasted red peppers, drained and sliced
  • 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup (30 g) baby spinach or arugula (optional)
  • 3 tbsp (45 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp (1 g) dried oregano or Italian seasoning
  • Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup (75 g) feta cheese crumbles, 1/4 cup (35 g) black olives sliced, 1/4 cup (35 g) sun-dried tomatoes chopped

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225 g) of whole wheat or high-protein pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8–10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Toss with a teaspoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. While pasta cooks, slice 4 oz (115 g) of salami into bite-sized pieces, drain and slice 1 cup (150 g) of roasted red peppers, halve 1 cup (150 g) of cherry tomatoes, and roughly chop 1 cup (30 g) of baby spinach or arugula if using.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp (45 ml) extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp (5 ml) Dijon mustard, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tsp (1 g) dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, salami, roasted peppers, cherry tomatoes, and greens. Pour the dressing over everything and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
  5. Spoon the salad into four 16 oz (450 ml) mason jars, packing lightly but not squashing. If you want to add feta, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes, sprinkle them in layers or on top.
  6. Seal jars tightly and refrigerate. The salad tastes best within 3 days and can be enjoyed cold straight from the jar or transferred to a bowl.

Notes

Do not skip the dressing to avoid a dry salad. Layer the salad with dressing at the bottom to keep pasta from getting soggy. Use al dente pasta and rinse with cold water to maintain texture. Toss salad just before eating for best texture. Use quality salami for best flavor. Salad keeps fresh up to 3 days refrigerated.

Nutrition

Keywords: high-protein pasta salad, pasta salad jar, meal prep, salami pasta salad, roasted peppers, healthy lunch, easy pasta salad