High Protein Gluten-Free Pasta Salad

Looking for a satisfying, protein-packed pasta salad that fits perfectly into a Mediterranean-inspired, plant-based lifestyle? This High Protein Gluten Free Pasta Salad might just be your new go-to. With the powerful combo of chickpeas and chickpea pasta, it’s not only a gluten-free dish, but also a hearty, nutrient-dense option that’s bursting with flavor and freshness.

Mediterranean Diet Friendly — the Vegan Way

This pasta salad takes its cue from the Mediterranean diet, known for being rich in whole foods, healthy fats, and simple, clean ingredients. Olive oil, fresh veggies, and herbs like oregano and thyme bring all those Mediterranean vibes to life, while the plant-based proteins keep it satisfying and energizing.

Packed with Protein (and So Much More)

Thanks to chickpeas and chickpea-based pasta, this high protein gluten free salad delivers a serious protein punch—perfect for fueling your day or recovering after a workout. It’s also high in fiber, full of healthy fats, and brimming with colorful, crunchy vegetables like cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. A sprinkle of cumin adds a warm, earthy depth that ties it all together.

Chickpeas are the star in this dish, of course, and cooked chickpeas are sure to be familiar. But, if you haven’t tried chickpea pasta yet, you’re in for a treat. It cooks quickly, the texture is excellent, and you get what you love about wheat pasta with the added benefit of being high protein, gluten-free, and 5g of fiber per serving. Our current favorite brand is Banza.

If you enjoy chickpeas check out our No Chop Chickpea Curry and Better Than Tuna chickpea salad!

A Salad for All Occasions

This is the kind of dish that multitasks like a champ. It’s:

• Ideal for picnics or potlucks
• A satisfying and casual weeknight dinner
• A quick, nutritious lunch to pack for work or school

Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, totally vegan (of course!), and comes together in a snap.

Leftovers You’ll Look Forward To

One of the best parts? This salad keeps beautifully. In fact, we think it might be even better the next day, once the flavors have had time to mingle. Make a big batch and enjoy it for days—because we think meals that are both healthy and effortless are always a win.

High Protein Gluten-Free Pasta Salad

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• Author: Full of Beans
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This pasta salad takes its cue from the Mediterranean diet. With the powerful combo of chickpeas and chickpea pasta, it’s not only a gluten-free dish, but also a hearty, nutrient-dense option that’s bursting with flavor and freshness.

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Ingredients

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• 1 8oz box of chickpea rotini (we love Banza brand https://www.eatbanza.com/)
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 Tbs lemon juice (approximately 1 large lemon)
• 1 tsp dry oregano (or 1 Tbs fresh oregano)
• 1 tsp finely chopped fresh thyme (plus a little for a garnish)
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 ground black pepper
• 1 small cucumber quartered lengthwise and sliced (should be about 2 cups)
• 1 pint of cherry tomatoes, cut in half (about 2 cups)
• 1 15oz can chickpeas, rinsed (organic if you can find them)
• 1 12oz jar roasted red peppers, drained and chopped (if you have a larger jar try for about 1 1/4 cups)
• 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced (this should make about 1 cup)
• 1 cup of dairy-free mozzarella-style shreds (Violife is a brand we use often)

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water to boil and cook the pasta according to the directions, until tender (usually 7 minutes or so)
2. Drain and rinse the pasta with cold water
3. Set the pasta aside to cool to room temperature. A baking sheet works well for this.
4. Whisk the oil, lemon juice, thyme, oregano, cumin, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a large bowl.
5. Add the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, roasted red peppers, red onion, cheese shreds (or crumbles if  substituting feta-style – see the notes) and cooled pasta to the bowl and toss to combine

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Notes

• this can absolutely hold its own as the main dish, but does nicely combined with some grilled plant-based burgers like Beyond or Impossible.
• dairy-free feta works well as an alternative to the mozzarella-style shreds. Both Follow Your Heart and Violife make very nice plant-based feta.