High Protein Pasta Salad with Bacon & Peas
on May 22, 2025
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Packed with protein! Try our easy High Protein Pasta Salad recipe with bacon, peas, and a creamy cottage cheese sauce. Delicious and satisfying.

Table of Contents
What Makes This Recipe Great
Are you searching for a delicious, satisfying, and protein-packed meal that’s perfect for meal prep, picnics, or a quick weeknight dinner? Look no further! This high-protein pasta salad with bacon and peas is a game-changer. It’s bursting with savory flavors, features a creamy, tangy dressing, and keeps you feeling full and energized.
Say goodbye to bland and boring meals! This high-protein pasta salad with bacon and peas proves that healthy eating can be incredibly flavorful and satisfying. Give this recipe a try and discover your new favorite go-to meal.
Ingredient List
- Protein Pasta Noodles– such as lentil, chickpea, or edamame pasta.
- Frozen Peas
- Thick Cut Bacon– I like to cook the bacon then chop it up
- Cottage Cheese– any percentage of cottage cheese will work
- Red Wine Vinegar
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Maple Syrup– feel free to use more of less depending on the sweetness level you would like
- Parmesan Cheese– parmesan freshly grated from a block is the absolute best.
Step By Step
- Boil protein pasta per the package instructions, reserve ½ cup of pasta water and strain while cold water runs over the pasta to cool it down.
- Add strained pasta to a large bowl and add in thawed peas and cooked bacon.
- In a blender combine cottage cheese, reserved pasta water, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder and maple syrup and blend until smooth.
- Pour sauce over pasta and stir to combine. Add in parmesan cheese and stir.
Pro Tip
- Crispy Bacon is Key: Don’t underestimate the power of crispy bacon in this salad. It adds a crucial textural element and a burst of smoky flavor.
Frequently Asked Question
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
- This high-protein pasta salad is an ideal candidate for meal prepping. Divide it into individual containers for quick and easy lunches throughout the week. It stays fresh and delicious in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
We Love A High Protein Meal
High Protein Pasta Salad with Bacon & Peas
Ingredients
- 12 oz small protein pasta noodles
- 2 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 12 oz thick cut bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Boil protein pasta per the package instructions, reserve ½ cup of pasta water and strain while cold water runs over the pasta to cool it down.
- Add strained pasta to a large bowl and add in thawed peas and cooked bacon.
- In a blender combine cottage cheese, reserved pasta water, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder and maple syrup and blend until smooth.
- Pour sauce over pasta and stir to combine. Add in parmesan cheese and stir.