Cupboard Cookout: Vegetarian Southwest Protein Pasta Salad
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
Looking for a way to get extra plant-based protein into your diet? Look no further! With about 12 grams of protein per serving, this Cupboard Cookout: Vegetarian Southwest Protein Pasta Salad will keep you satiated, nourished, and satisfied. This nutritious dish is quick, convenient, and can be whipped up in less than 20 minutes with common ingredients found in your pantry. *The majority of the ingredients is from your cupboards. Perfect for dinner, this recipe provides not only protein but fiber and micronutrients, too. It can easily be made ahead of time for grab-n-go, quick night meals throughout the week. What makes this dish so protein-rich? It includes black beans. These legumes are not only a plant-based source of protein but they provide antioxidants and fiber as well. The creamy chili lime sauce is made with Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for additional protein. Greek yogurt is a good source of leucine, calcium, vitamin B12, vitamin A, and zinc. All incredible nutrients necessary for our health and well-being. For additional protein, we substituted out regular pasta with a protein pasta. We used the Barilla Protein + Penne Pasta. You can also use the Barilla Protein + Rotini Pasta for a different shape. There are other types of plant-based, protein-rich pastas, too, such as Chickpea Pastas, Red Lentil Pastas, Black Bean Pastas, Edamame Pastas, and more. The shapes, flavors, and carb levels all vary and they’re delicious.