Savory High Protein Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe for Fit Foodies

Chicken pasta salads aren’t just another mundane weeknight dinner option – this high protein chicken pasta salad recipe delivers a delicious punch of nutrition and flavor.

Packed with lean protein and vibrant ingredients, the dish comes together effortlessly in under 30 minutes.

Tender grilled chicken blends seamlessly with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a satisfying meal that keeps you energized.

Fresh herbs and crisp vegetables add layers of texture and brightness to every forkful.

protein-rich and supremely versatile, this salad works beautifully as a quick lunch or light dinner option.

Each bite promises a balanced combination of complex carbohydrates and muscle-building protein.

Dive into this simple yet spectacular recipe that will become your new go-to meal solution.

Step-by-Step High Protein Chicken Pasta Salad

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Select your favorite pasta shape and cook in a large pot of salted boiling water. Follow the package timing to achieve al dente texture.

Once cooked, drain the pasta and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Let the pasta cool completely while you prepare other ingredients.

Step 2: Create Zesty Dressing

• Greek yogurt
• Hummus
• Fresh lemon juice
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic powder
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk all ingredients until smooth and well combined, creating a rich and flavorful coating.

Step 3: Chop Fresh Ingredients

• Grilled or roasted chicken
• Cherry tomatoes
• Cucumber
• Bell peppers
• Red onion
• Black olives

Step 4: Combine and Mix

In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the cooled pasta with the chopped chicken and vegetables.

Pour the prepared dressing over the mixture and stir thoroughly to ensure every morsel is coated with the delicious sauce.

Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy

Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese or shredded Parmesan on top for an extra flavor boost.

Serve chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing and protein-packed meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

Pro Tips for Perfect High Protein Chicken Pasta Salad

• Rinse pasta with cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking, ensuring a crisp texture in your salad.
• Replace chicken with grilled tofu or canned chickpeas for a vegetarian high-protein alternative that maintains the dish's nutritional value.
• Make the dressing and chop vegetables in advance, storing them separately to keep ingredients fresh and assemble quickly when ready to serve.
• Add crunchy elements like sunflower seeds, sliced almonds, or crispy bacon bits to introduce additional texture and flavor complexity to the pasta salad.
• Store the salad without dressing to prevent soggy ingredients, mixing dressing just before serving to maintain optimal taste and crispness.

Flavorful Variations for High Protein Chicken Pasta Salad

• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Pasta: Replace bell peppers with artichoke hearts and add fresh basil and parsley for an herbal Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Chicken Pasta: Swap cucumber with corn, add black beans, use chipotle Greek yogurt, and sprinkle with cilantro for a zesty southwestern style.
• Greek-Inspired Lean Protein Version: Use grilled shrimp instead of chicken, increase feta cheese, and add kalamata olives for an authentic Greek-style pasta salad.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Alternative: Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles, keep protein and dressing the same for a lighter, low-carbohydrate option.

Best Pairings with High Protein Chicken Pasta Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the tangy dressing and fresh vegetables, cutting through the richness of chicken and cheese.
• Create Mediterranean Mezze Platter: Serve alongside hummus, tzatziki, warm pita bread, and olives to enhance the Greek-inspired flavor profile and provide additional texture contrasts.
• Match with Sparkling Water Infusion: Cucumber or lemon-infused sparkling water refreshes the palate, echoes the salad's bright ingredients, and provides a light, hydrating accompaniment.
• Recommend Herb-Roasted Bread: Toasted sourdough or ciabatta with rosemary and olive oil adds a crunchy element and helps soak up the delicious dressing.

How to Store High Protein Chicken Pasta Salad Properly

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep the salad chilled to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Note that vegetables might lose crispness upon thawing.
• Before serving chilled leftovers, gently stir the salad and add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice to refresh the dressing and restore moisture.
• If desired, warm slightly in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, stirring midway to ensure even heating. Avoid overheating to prevent pasta from becoming mushy.

FAQs

• Is this pasta salad good for weight loss?

Yes, it’s high in protein from chicken and Greek yogurt, which helps keep you full longer and supports metabolism.

• Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! It can be prepared a day in advance and stores well in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep.

• Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

No, it contains chicken. However, you can substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.

• How can I increase the protein content even more?

Add extra protein sources like hard-boiled eggs, quinoa, or additional Greek yogurt to boost the protein level of the salad.

What Makes High Protein Chicken Pasta Salad a Winner

• Speed Demon Cooking: Prepare mouthwatering shrimp in mere minutes with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or quick protein-packed meals.
• Flavor Explosion Technique: Blend multiple seasonings like garlic, Italian herbs, and Parmesan to create a bold, restaurant-quality taste that transforms simple shrimp into a gourmet experience.
• Zero-Hassle Preparation: Simply toss frozen shrimp with oil and spices, then let the air fryer do the work, ensuring crispy, evenly cooked seafood without constant monitoring or complicated cooking steps.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Enjoy these seasoned shrimp as a standalone protein, appetizer, or protein addition to salads, pasta, and rice dishes, making it adaptable for various meal styles and preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need for High Protein Chicken Pasta Salad

• Chicken: Lean protein source that adds substantial nutrition and hearty flavor to the pasta salad.

• Pasta: Serves as the foundational carbohydrate component of the salad, providing texture and substance.

• Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, Bell Peppers, Red Onion: Colorful vegetables that contribute crispness, nutrition, and fresh flavors to the salad.
• Black Olives: Adds a Mediterranean-style tangy and salty accent to the dish.

• Greek Yogurt, Hummus (or Mayo): Creates a creamy and protein-rich base for the dressing.
• Lemon Juice, Olive Oil: Provides brightness, acidity, and smooth richness to the dressing.

• Dijon Mustard, Garlic Powder, Oregano, Salt, Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor profile with aromatic and zesty notes.

• Feta Cheese, Shredded Parmesan: Adds creamy, salty finish and extra protein to the salad.

High Protein Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Protein-packed high protein chicken pasta salad delivers Mediterranean magic with lean chicken and fresh herbs. Crisp vegetables and zesty dressing make this quick meal a delightful lunch or dinner option you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cups chicken breast, diced or shredded
• 8 ounces (226 grams) high-protein pasta (chickpea, lentil, or whole wheat)

Vegetables:

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

Additional Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup black olives, sliced (optional)

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then immediately cool under cold running water to stop cooking process and prevent sticking.
2. Craft a creamy dressing by whisking Greek yogurt with hummus, fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, aromatic garlic powder, dried oregano, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper until smooth and well-integrated.
3. Cube cooked chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure consistent texture throughout the salad.
4. Slice cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber and bell peppers, finely chop red onion, and roughly cut black olives into bite-sized segments.
5. Transfer all prepared vegetables and chicken into a spacious mixing bowl, creating a colorful and protein-packed base.
6. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad, gently folding ingredients to ensure every component is evenly and thoroughly coated.
7. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese or delicate shredded Parmesan over the top for an extra layer of tangy flavor and creamy texture.
8. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and develop, then serve chilled or at ambient temperature.

Notes

• Swap Greek yogurt with dairy-free alternatives like coconut or almond yogurt for a vegan-friendly version.
• Choose whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate different dietary needs and boost nutritional value.
• Marinate chicken beforehand in herbs and citrus for extra flavor depth and tender meat texture.
• Prep ingredients in advance and store separately to maintain crispness and prevent soggy salad components.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg