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Protein+ Rotini Salad

ByRejuvenation Self Care

A colorful, veggie-packed pasta salad made with Barilla Protein+ Rotini, feta, fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and a creamy, tangy dressing.

Ingredients

🍝 Pasta

  • 1 box Barilla Protein+ Rotini

🥬 Vegetables

  • 3 cups spinach, chopped
  • ½ green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
  • 1 orange bell pepper, diced
  • 1 large cucumber, diced
  • 3 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 can RO*TEL Original, well drained

🌿 Fresh Herbs

  • 2 oz total fresh cilantro, parsley, basil & oregano, chopped

🧀 Creamy & Tangy

  • 8 oz Athenos feta, crumbled
  • 1 oz Kraft sweet relish
  • 1 oz Hellmann’s mayonnaise
  • 1 oz Hidden Valley Ranch

🧄 Seasoning

  • 1 tsp McCormick garlic powder
  • 1 tsp McCormick onion powder

Directions

  1. Cook the Barilla Protein+ Rotini according to the package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside to cool.
  2. Wash and prepare the vegetables and fresh herbs.
  3. Wash the spinach thoroughly and pat dry to remove excess water.
  4. Dice the bell peppers, cucumber, and celery.
  5. Drain the RO*TEL very well. Allow it to drain for a few minutes and gently press out excess liquid.
  6. Combine the cooled rotini, vegetables, herbs, feta, and RO*TEL in a large bowl.
  7. Add the sweet relish, mayonnaise, and ranch.
  8. Sprinkle in the garlic and onion powders.
  9. Toss gently until everything is evenly combined and coated.
  10. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Stir again before serving.

🍅 Tomato options

Don’t have RO*TEL or want a milder, fresher flavor?

Option 1: RO*TEL
Use 1 can RO*TEL Original, well drained, for a little tang and mild heat.

Option 2: Fresh tomato
Replace the RO*TEL with 1 large tomato, diced. For a firmer salad, remove excess seeds and liquid before adding.

🥄 Make the dressing your way

The mayo + ranch combination gives this salad its creamy flavor, but you can customize it.

For a lighter dressing, try:

  • Greek yogurt + a little ranch
  • Light mayonnaise + ranch
  • Greek yogurt + herbs + garlic + onion powder
  • A simple herb vinaigrette for a non-creamy option

Use the dressing you enjoy and adjust the amount to your taste.

🌱 Healthy Self

This recipe is a reminder that eating well doesn’t have to mean eating the same foods every day or giving up flavor.

Add color. Add vegetables. Include protein. Choose ingredients you enjoy.

Practical wellness for real life.
Eat well. Move your body. Care for your mind. Take care of yourself.

Being healthy isn’t about perfection. It’s about having the knowledge to make wise choices for yourself.

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