Are you in need of some new recipe inspiration? Looking to add more plant-based meals to your repertoire? Don’t feel like spending a ton of time on meal prep in a hot kitchen this summer? One-dish pasta salads are the perfect summer dish! Pasta salads are fantastic for many reasons:
- They are great for feeding a crowd (think summer potlucks, parties, cookouts)
- They can be a one-dish complete meal-meaning they can be nutritionally balanced with protein, carbs/fiber, fats and flavor.
- You don’t have to turn on the oven
- They can be made ahead of time and are perfect for lunch leftovers
These two recipes are vegetarian and full of plant-based protein. But you can always boost the protein by adding chicken or shrimp. Enjoy!
Lemon Orzo & Feta Salad
Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups dry orzo pasta
- 1 cucumber, seeded and chopped
- ½ cup feta, crumbled
- 2 TB olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ½ cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Cook pasta according to directions. Drain and let cool. Toss with remaining ingredients. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Can be made a day in advance and stored in refrigerator. Makes ~4 servings.
Pesto & Peas Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 box Banza shells (or any pasta of choice)
- 1 bunch fresh or frozen asparagus, cut into 1 inch pieces (~8-10 spears)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
- 1/2 cup artichoke hearts, chopped
- 1/2 cup pesto
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Cook pasta according to directions. When there is 5 minutes cooking time left, add peas and asparagus to boiling water and pasta. When al dente, drain and rinse pasta and veggies in a colander. Transfer back to pot and add in pesto, artichoke hearts and seasonings. Serve at room temperature or chilled. Keep in refrigerator. Makes ~4 servings.
Note: we love Banza pasta because it is packed with protein (25 grams per serving!) and fiber because its made from chickpeas, comes in a variety or shapes, and holds its texture nicely unlike most gluten-free pastas.
