Summer is made for fresh pasta and pasta salads. They're easy to prepare, perfect for entertaining, and even better the next day. Whether you're heading to a backyard barbecue, packing lunch for work, or planning a light dinner on the patio, a protein-packed pasta dish or salad is a delicious way to enjoy the best flavors of the season. The secret to a satisfying summer pasta dish isn't just adding more protein—it's balancing quality pasta with fresh vegetables, herbs, healthy fats, and flavorful proteins. Whether you prefer traditional Italian pasta, high-protein alternatives, vegetarian dishes, or plant-based meals, there's a perfect bowl waiting to be created.

Start with the Right Pasta..and Do We Know Pasta here at Nino’s!

Traditional Italian Pasta

Authentic Italian pasta made from durum wheat offers exceptional texture and flavor, making it ideal for cold pasta salads and warm dishes as well. Shapes with ridges and curves help capture dressings and ingredients in every bite. If making a pasta salad, cook pasta just until al dente, rinse briefly under cool water to stop the cooking process, and toss with a little extra virgin olive oil before assembling your salad.

Some of the best choices include:

• Fusilli
• Gemelli
• Cavatappi
• Farfalle
• Orecchiette
• Casarecce
• Radiatori

Protein Pasta Options

Looking to boost protein even more? Today's protein pastas are made from legumes or enriched wheat and work beautifully in summer salads. These options can provide nearly twice the protein of traditional pasta while adding extra fiber to keep you feeling satisfied.

Popular options include:

• Chickpea pasta
• Lentil pasta
• Edamame pasta
• Protein-enriched wheat pasta

Easy Ways to Add Protein To Your Pasta

Adding protein to your pasta can be as simple as opening a can or jar or preparing your own protein from scratch. Choose one or combine several different types of protein in your pasta for a balanced meal.

Animal Proteins

• Grilled chicken
• Lemon herb shrimp 
• Grilled salmon
• Italian tuna packed in olive oil
• Prosciutto
• Salami
• Turkey breast
• Grilled steak
• Fresh mozzarella
• Burrata
• Parmesan cheese
• Ricotta salata
• Hard-boiled eggs

Vegetarian Protein Options

• Fresh mozzarella
• Burrata
• Feta cheese
• Goat cheese
• Parmesan
• White beans
• Cannellini beans
• Chickpeas
• Edamame
• Roasted almonds
• Pistachios
• Walnuts
• Pumpkin seeds
• Hemp hearts

Vegan Protein Options

• Chickpeas
• White beans
• Lentils
• Edamame
• Marinated tofu
• Grilled tofu
• Tempeh
• Roasted chickpeas
• Hemp hearts
• Pumpkin seeds
• Sunflower seeds
• Cashews
• Almonds

Fresh Summer Produce That Makes Every Bowl Shine

Take advantage of peak-season produce to create colorful, nutrient-rich pasta dishes that make your plate glow as bright as the summer sun! 

Choose from:

• Cherry tomatoes
• Michigan sweet corn
• Cucumbers
• Bell peppers
• Zucchini
• Grilled asparagus
• Green beans
• Arugula
• Baby spinach
• Kale
• Fresh basil
• Parsley
• Dill
• Mint
• Red onion
• Radishes
• Avocado
• Peaches
• Nectarines
• Fresh berries

Five Favorite Protein Pasta Salad Combinations

Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad

Fusilli tossed with grilled chicken, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, feta, basil, parsley, and a lemon oregano vinaigrette.

Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad

Gemelli with salami, fresh mozzarella pearls, pepperoncini, artichokes, roasted peppers, olives, tomatoes, fresh basil, and shaved Parmesan.

Summer Burrata & White Bean Pasta Salad (Vegetarian)

Orecchiette with creamy burrata, cannellini beans, grilled zucchini, roasted corn, tomatoes, basil, toasted pistachios, and a balsamic vinaigrette.

Lemon Herb Edamame Pasta Salad (Vegan)

Edamame pasta tossed with edamame, cucumbers, carrots, snap peas, fresh herbs, avocado, toasted sesame seeds, and a bright lemon-ginger dressing.

Grilled Peach & Chickpea Pasta Salad (Vegan)

Chickpea pasta combined with grilled peaches, chickpeas, baby arugula, toasted pecans, red onion, fresh basil, and a white balsamic vinaigrette.

Tips for the Best Pasta Salad

• Salt your pasta water generously for maximum flavor.
• Cook pasta just until al dente so it holds its shape.
• Let the pasta cool before adding delicate vegetables.
• Add leafy greens and fresh herbs just before serving.
• Reserve a little dressing to refresh the salad before serving, as pasta naturally absorbs liquid while chilling.
• Finish with freshly grated Parmesan, toasted nuts, or fresh herbs for added flavor and texture.

Founder’s Daughter Pastas That Favor Protein

Many of our classic Founder’s Daughter's pasta recipes created by our very own Andrea Salvaggio Nicolella are complemented with various types of proteins such as cheeses, seafood, meats and beans. While the amount of protein per dish may vary, you can always adjust the ingredients to meet your needs such as increasing the ounces of proteins, cheeses or amounts of beans or legumes in the recipes. Here are some of Andrea’s favorite pasta + protein dishes that will satisfy you and your guests this summer: 

Lobster Fettuccine

Seafood Fettuccine 

Linguine with Tuna & Olives 

Linguine with Clam Sauce 

Pastina with Chicken 

Pasta San Giuseppe

Pasta with Mussels 

Fresh, Flavorful, and Perfect for Summer

A great summer pasta salad or entree is more than a side dish—it can easily become a complete meal. By combining quality pasta, seasonal produce, fresh herbs, and protein-rich ingredients, you can create colorful dishes that are perfect for lunches, picnics, entertaining, and busy weeknights. Whether you choose authentic Italian pasta or a protein-packed alternative, summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh flavors straight from the garden and create memorable meals that everyone will love.

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