High-Protein Summer Salad: A Fresh and Nutritious Recipe from Linwoods

With the sunshine continuing across Ireland, there's no better time to enjoy fresh, colourful dishes that are perfect for al fresco lunches, picnics and barbecues. Linwoods has shared a delicious High-Protein Summer Salad recipe that combines wholesome ingredients with its popular Shelled Hemp Seeds for an extra nutritional boost.

Ready in just 25 minutes, this vibrant pasta salad is packed with colourful vegetables, a creamy plant-based dressing and plenty of protein, making it ideal as a light lunch, side dish or healthy dinner.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Serves: 4–6

Ingredients:

For the salad

• 300g wholegrain fusilli pasta

• ½ red bell pepper, finely chopped

• ½ yellow bell pepper, finely chopped

• 1 small red onion, finely chopped

• 6 baby plum tomatoes, diced

• 2 tbsp diced pickles

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (or herb of your choice)

For the dressing

• 300g silken tofu

• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 1 tbsp cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast

• 1 tsp mustard

• 2 heaped tbsp Linwoods Shelled Hemp Seeds (plus extra for serving)

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp salt

• Freshly ground black pepper to serve

Method:

1. Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions.

2. Meanwhile, combine the chopped peppers, onion, tomatoes, pickles and fresh herbs in a large bowl.

3. Blend together the silken tofu, lemon juice, olive oil, nutritional yeast, mustard, hemp seeds, garlic powder and salt until smooth. Chill until needed.

4. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool, or drizzle with a little olive oil and leave to cool naturally.

5. Toss the cooled pasta with the vegetables before pouring over half of the dressing and mixing thoroughly.

6. Finish with an extra sprinkle of Linwoods Shelled Hemp Seeds and freshly ground black pepper. Serve the remaining dressing on the side or refrigerate for up to three days.

A Healthy Summer Favourite

The combination of wholegrain pasta, fresh vegetables and a creamy tofu-based dressing creates a satisfying meal that's rich in flavour while providing extra fibre, protein and omega-3 thanks to the addition of Linwoods Shelled Hemp Seeds. Whether you're preparing a family barbecue, picnic or meal prep for the week ahead, this colourful recipe is an easy way to make the most of seasonal ingredients.

Visit linwoodshealthfoods.com for more.

Slán go fóill.