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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Cube cooked chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure consistent texture throughout the salad.
- Slice cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber and bell peppers, finely chop red onion, and roughly cut black olives into bite-sized segments.
- Transfer all prepared vegetables and chicken into a spacious mixing bowl, creating a colorful and protein-packed base.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad, gently folding ingredients to ensure every component is evenly and thoroughly coated.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese or delicate shredded Parmesan over the top for an extra layer of tangy flavor and creamy texture.
- 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