This 4 ingredient pasta salad recipe is high protein, high fiber and could not be easier to put together. This simple recipe is delicious and my favorite no-fuss lunch meal prep to make at the start of each week. If you’re a pasta salad lover, you’ll love this one!
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Why you’ll love this
This easy pasta salad recipe only uses four simple ingredients, so it truly could not be easier to make!
Each serving has 27 grams of protein and 9 grams of fiber from nutritious ingredients like chickpea pasta, coleslaw mix and cheddar cheese. Because it’s high protein and high fiber, it’s going to keep you full and satisfied.
It’s also SO yummy and versatile. You can use your favorite salad dressing, add your favorite veggies and really make it your own.
It’s also a great recipe for meal prep and leftovers which is always a win in my book. Make a batch of this 4-ingredient pasta salad at the start of your week, divide into containers and enjoy an easy delicious lunch all week long.
You don’t have to serve it as the main dish either! This simple pasta salad recipe also makes for the perfect side dish for dinner (serve with my Big Mac Wrap Recipe!). I also love serving it with grilled chicken or salmon and veggies on the side.
Let’s get into exactly what you need to make it.
Ingredients you need
This is the best pasta salad because you only need four ingredients. Can it get any better than that? We’re busy people and I just love recipes like this!
- Chickpea pasta: You can use any chickpea pasta, red lentil pasta or other legume pasta that you enjoy. Here are my favorites:
- Coleslaw mix: Coleslaw mix is just shredded cabbage and carrots, and it’s perfect for this low ingredient pasta salad because it adds nutrition and lots of crunch. You can also use any veggie slaw that your grocery store has in stock, like broccoli slaw.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: I love to use cubed cheddar or monterey jack, but you can also use fresh mozzarella cheese, feta cheese, or any other that you love in pasta salad.
- Italian dressing or vinaigrette of choice: Feel free to use your favorite bottled vinaigrette, or you can use one of my favorite homemade vinaigrettes:
- Easy Garlic Parmesan Dressing
- Easy Lemon Basil Vinaigrette (Dressing or Marinade)
- The Best Italian Sub Dressing
- Sherry Shallot Dressing
- Easy Citrus Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe
- Sweet Onion Dijon Vinaigrette Dressing
- Creamy Balsamic Date Vinaigrette
- You can also use a simple combination of olive oil and vinegar!
How to Make 4 Ingredient Pasta Salad
- Cook your chickpea pasta until al dente according to package directions in salted water and cool by either running the drained pasta under cold water or setting in the fridge for a few minutes.
- In a large bowl, add cooked pasta, coleslaw mix, cubed cheddar cheese and dressing.
- Mix well until thoroughly combined.
- Add additional dressing, salt and/or black pepper to taste. Enjoy!
Variations
Favorite add-ins
- More veggies: Add any of your favorite fresh veggies like sweet onions, red onion, cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes, red pepper, green pepper, shredded carrots, diced cucumber, or chopped broccoli.
- Olives: Black olives or kalamata olives work great in this recipe.
- Fresh herbs: Like fresh basil, cilantro, or chopped parsley.
- Protein: Cubed cooked chicken breast, chopped deli meat, or shelled edamame are all great protein sources to boost the protein even more.
- More cheese! I love sprinkling a little bit of fresh parmesan cheese on top of this pasta salad, too. You can use any kind of cheese you like and mozzarella balls would work perfectly.
- Pesto pasta salad: Swap the dressing for your favorite basil pesto!
Make it creamy
Turn this classic pasta salad into a creamy pasta salad by adding mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, sour cream or your favorite creamy dressing (like ranch).
Turn it into an easy salad
Make a super easy salad by topping your favorite greens with this simple recipe and add any additional veggies that you want! I love adding a handful of baby arugula or kale.
How to store
Store cold pasta salad in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container. To “freshen” up the leftover pasta salad, I recommend giving it a fresh splash of dressing right before serving for extra flavor.
Meal-Prep
To meal prep this recipe, divide mixed pasta salad into four individual containers (I like these!) and enjoy up to four days. Top with an extra splash of dressing right before serving.
More easy recipe ideas
Easy Healthy High Protein Pasta Salad
Angel Hair Pasta Salad with Lemon Parmesan Vinaigrette
The BEST Sauteéd Brussel Sprout Pasta Salad Bowl
Easy Delicious 4-Ingredient Chicken Salad
Easy 4 Ingredient Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 8 oz chickpea pasta I like Barilla or Banza
- 8 oz cheddar cheese cubed
- 3.5 cups coleslaw mix or a 10-oz. bag, any veggie slaw will woork
- 1/2-3/4 cup Italian dressing use your favorite bottled vinaigrette
Instructions
- Cook your chickpea pasta according to package directions in salted water and cool by either running the drained pasta under cold water or setting in the fridge for a few minutes.
- In a large bowl, add cooked pasta, coleslaw mix, cubed cheddar cheese and dressing.
- Mix well until thoroughly combined.
- Add additional dressing, salt and/or pepper to taste. Enjoy!
