Green Goddess Protein Pasta Salad

Aug 13
3 min read

This one is for my picky eaters or those who have a hard time meeting their daily vegetable or fiber needs!

Sometimes the easiest way to hit your veggie quota is to hide them somewhere you'll actually want to eat them.

That's the idea behind this Green Goddess Protein Pasta Salad!

I've developed this recipe to create a creamy, herby, nutritionally balanced dish that sneaks a full cup of spinach right into the sauce!

Sneaky sneaky!

Crock pot BBQ Beans — Green Goddess Protein pasta salad

The Secret's in the Sauce

When someone says "I don't like vegetables"

I don't believe them.

They either 1) haven't tried enough variety of vegetables or 2) they aren't cooking them correctly

There's a reason blended or pureed vegetables have become such a popular trick for parents, meal preppers, and anyone trying to eat healthier without a total lifestyle overhaul: it removes the friction.

You don't have to force yourself to enjoy steamed broccoli if you don't love it. You just need to find creative ways to work vegetables into meals you're already excited to eat.

This pasta salad proves that eating well doesn't have to mean sacrificing flavor or convenience.

It's a simple trick, but it's one of the easiest ways to increase your daily vegetable & fiber intake without changing how your food tastes!

More Than Just Hidden Greens

While the sauce is the star of the "sneaky vegetables" show, the rest of the salad brings its own nutritional value.

Chickpeas add plant-based protein and fiber, helping keep you fuller for longer and supporting digestive health.
Bell pepper and cucumber bring crunch, hydration, and a healthy dose of vitamin C and antioxidants.
Artichoke hearts are an underrated source of fiber and folate, and they add a briny, savory note that pairs perfectly with the lemon-dill sauce.
Barilla Protein Pasta swaps traditional pasta for a blend that's slightly higher in protein and fiber. You can always add some cooked shrimp or grilled chicken for an extra protein boost!
Low-fat feta adds a salty, tangy finish along with a little extra calcium, without piling on excess saturated fat that cheese typically has.

Green Goddess Protein Pasta Salad

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Yields: 6 servings

Ingredients

For the sauce

1 cup non-fat Greek yogurt

1 cup spinach

2 green onions

2 garlic cloves

2 tbsp lemon juice

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp fresh dill

1 tsp Italian seasoning

Salt & pepper to taste

For the salad:

12 oz Barilla Protein Pasta Rotini

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 cup artichoke hearts, quartered)

1 bell pepper, diced

1 cucumber, diced

1/2 cup low-fat feta

Optional:

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup sliced black olives

Directions:

Cook pasta according to package directions (preferably to al dente). Then, drain, and rinse under cold water to cool.
Combine pasta, chickpeas, artichoke hearts, olives (if using), bell pepper, cucumber, feta, and parsley in a large bowl. Toss well.
Pour sauce over salad and toss to coat.
Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Top with additional feta, olives and fresh parsley if desired