This High Protein Pasta Salad is the perfect balance of healthy, satisfying, and easy to make. Packed with lean protein, fresh veggies, and a light creamy dressing, it’s great for meal prep, post-workout meals, or a nutritious lunch.
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
🍝 Salad Base
- 10–12 oz high-protein pasta (chickpea, lentil, or whole wheat)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/3 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup chickpeas (optional for extra protein)
- 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional)
🥣 Light Protein Dressing
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil
- 1–2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Boil high-protein pasta according to package instructions.
- Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2. Prepare Ingredients
- Cook and dice chicken.
- Chop vegetables and drain chickpeas.
3. Make the Dressing
- Whisk Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, and seasonings until smooth.
4. Combine Everything
- In a large bowl, mix pasta, chicken, veggies, chickpeas, and feta.
- Add dressing and toss until evenly coated.
5. Chill & Serve
- Refrigerate for 30–60 minutes for best flavor.
💡 Tips for Best Results
- Use Greek yogurt for extra protein and creaminess
- Don’t overcook protein pasta—it can get soft
- Add dressing gradually for best texture
- Store chilled for up to 3–4 days
🔁 Variations
- Vegetarian: Skip chicken, add more chickpeas or tofu
- Spicy version: Add chili flakes or hot sauce
- Mediterranean style: Add olives and sun-dried tomatoes
- Low-carb: Use zucchini noodles instead of pasta
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Perfect for meal prep lunches and healthy dinners
- Serve as a post-workout meal
- Great as a light but filling side dish
🔥 Final Thoughts
This Easy High Protein Pasta Salad is fresh, nutritious, and satisfying, making it a go-to recipe for healthy eating without sacrificing flavor 💪🍝✨