Description
This High Protein Chicken Pasta Salad is a nutritious and delicious meal perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Combining lean chicken breast with high-protein pasta, fresh vegetables, and a creamy Greek yogurt dressing, it offers a balanced mix of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. The salad is refreshing, easy to prepare, and ideal for meal prepping or serving at gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and chopped
- 8 oz whole wheat or high-protein pasta (such as chickpea or lentil pasta)
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese (optional, for added protein)
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (for creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the whole wheat or high-protein pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse briefly with cold water to stop cooking and cool it for the salad.
- Prepare the Chicken: If not already cooked, season the chicken breasts with a pinch of salt and pepper, then cook them thoroughly by baking or pan-searing until juices run clear. Once cooled, chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped fresh parsley.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Combine All Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, chopped chicken, and shredded cheese (if using) to the bowl with the vegetables. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve: For best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy your high protein chicken pasta salad chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Opt for chickpea or lentil pasta for a higher protein boost.
- Use Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative to mayonnaise in the dressing.
- For added crunch, consider adding toasted nuts or seeds.
- This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to customize the vegetables based on seasonal availability.
