High-Protein Pasta Salad
A hearty and healthy high-protein pasta salad made with shredded chicken, chickpeas, Greek yogurt dressing, and crunchy fresh veggies. It’s light, satisfying, and perfect for meal prep, post-workout meals, or warm-weather cookouts.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked whole wheat pasta or high-protein pasta
- 1 1/2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
- 1 can 15 oz chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/4 cup red onion finely diced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Follow package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
- Make the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine pasta, chicken, chickpeas, veggies, and parsley.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour dressing over and toss until evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes for flavors to meld. Serve cold.
Notes
High-Protein Pasta Salad – Helpful Tips
Choose the Right Pasta
• Use whole wheat, lentil, or chickpea pasta to boost protein even further.
• Cook just until al dente so the pasta holds its shape and texture after chilling. Protein-Packed Add-Ins
This salad isn’t just pasta—it’s loaded with satisfying protein! Try:
• Grilled chicken, tuna, hard-boiled eggs, or chickpeas
• Toss in edamame or tofu for a plant-based punch Flavor-Forward Dressing
• A Greek yogurt-based dressing, tangy vinaigrette, or even a light hummus-lemon blend keeps things creamy but clean.
• Mix the dressing separately and toss it in just before serving for the freshest flavor. Add Crunch and Color
• Use a variety of veggies like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, or red onion
• A sprinkle of sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or sliced almonds adds crunch and texture Make It Ahead
• This salad tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.
• If prepping in advance, keep delicate ingredients like greens or avocado separate until serving. Easy Variations to Try
• Low-Carb: Use spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles
• Vegetarian: Go meat-free with quinoa, beans, and cheese
• Mediterranean Style: Add olives, feta, and a lemon-oregano vinaigrette
• Spicy Version: Mix in chili flakes, spicy hummus, or a dash of hot sauce Meal Prep Friendly
Pack in individual containers for easy lunches throughout the week. Just stir before eating and add a splash of dressing if needed to freshen it up.
• Use whole wheat, lentil, or chickpea pasta to boost protein even further.
• Cook just until al dente so the pasta holds its shape and texture after chilling. Protein-Packed Add-Ins
This salad isn’t just pasta—it’s loaded with satisfying protein! Try:
• Grilled chicken, tuna, hard-boiled eggs, or chickpeas
• Toss in edamame or tofu for a plant-based punch Flavor-Forward Dressing
• A Greek yogurt-based dressing, tangy vinaigrette, or even a light hummus-lemon blend keeps things creamy but clean.
• Mix the dressing separately and toss it in just before serving for the freshest flavor. Add Crunch and Color
• Use a variety of veggies like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, or red onion
• A sprinkle of sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or sliced almonds adds crunch and texture Make It Ahead
• This salad tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.
• If prepping in advance, keep delicate ingredients like greens or avocado separate until serving. Easy Variations to Try
• Low-Carb: Use spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles
• Vegetarian: Go meat-free with quinoa, beans, and cheese
• Mediterranean Style: Add olives, feta, and a lemon-oregano vinaigrette
• Spicy Version: Mix in chili flakes, spicy hummus, or a dash of hot sauce Meal Prep Friendly
Pack in individual containers for easy lunches throughout the week. Just stir before eating and add a splash of dressing if needed to freshen it up.