Go Back
+ servings
Spring Pasta Salad With Protein

Spring Pasta Salad With Protein: A Fresh Twist on Meal Prep

This vibrant Spring Pasta Salad with Protein is a delightful blend of fresh herbs, zesty flavors, and protein-packed ingredients, perfect for meal prep.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 cups
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 360

Ingredients
  

For the Dressing
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil or avocado oil
  • 1 tablespoon Ghee or regular butter
  • 1 according to taste Lemon Juice/Zest or lime juice
For the Protein
  • 8 ounces Organic Pork/Chicken Sausage or ground turkey
  • ½ cup Chicken Bone Broth or vegetable broth
For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Pasta (Mafalda or Bow Tie) or gluten-free pasta
For the Vegetables
  • 1 medium Onion finely chopped
  • 2 cups Fresh Spinach or kale
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas or edamame
For the Seasoning
  • 1 cup Fresh Basil or parsley
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic or garlic powder
  • ½ cup Grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast
  • according to taste Chives
  • according to taste pinch Sea Salt
  • according to taste pinch Fresh Cracked Pepper
  • according to taste Fresh Dill

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Pot
  • colander

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your choice of organic pork or chicken sausage and season with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove the protein from the skillet and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add another splash of olive oil if needed. Sauté 1 finely chopped onion over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Return the cooked protein to the skillet and stir to combine.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, making sure not to rinse.
  4. In the same skillet, add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute. Stir in ½ cup of pesto, ½ cup of chicken bone broth, and ¼ cup of milk. Add 1 tablespoon of ghee and simmer on low heat for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Add the cooked protein, sautéed onions, drained pasta, and 1 cup of frozen peas to the skillet. Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon and sprinkle with zest, adding 2 cups of fresh spinach, ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped chives. Toss until well-coated.
  6. Serve the salad warm or allow it to cool. Garnish with fresh dill and extra Parmesan if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 360kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 20gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 3500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For optimal flavor, allow the salad to chill for a few hours before serving. Fresh ingredients enhance taste and nutrition.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!