If you’re hunting for a meal that hits all the right notes—fresh, filling, and packed with nutrients—this High Protein Chicken Pasta Salad will quickly become your new staple. Every forkful delivers a lively medley of flavors: juicy chicken, bright veggies, a zesty homemade dressing, and the wholesome chew of high-protein pasta. Perfect for meal prep, picnics, or a quick weeknight dinner, this salad has robust, satisfying textures that keep you energized while feeling light. The best part? Each bite is a celebration of bold color and vibrant taste!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting delicious flavors is all about choosing the right, high-quality ingredients! This collection is simple but thoughtfully chosen—everything from the protein-packed pasta to the crisp veggies comes together for a salad that’s crave-worthy and nourishing. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a little tip for each ingredient.
- Whole wheat or high-protein pasta (8 ounces): Using chickpea or lentil pasta adds extra protein and fiber, upping the heartiness of the dish.
- Cooked chicken breast (2 cups, chopped or shredded): The main protein source; rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken work perfectly here for convenience and flavor.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): These bring bursts of juiciness and a beautiful pop of color.
- Cucumber (1 cup, diced): Adds cooling crunch that contrasts beautifully with the other ingredients.
- Red bell pepper (1/2 cup, chopped): Provides a hint of sweetness and another layer of vibrant color.
- Red onion (1/4 cup, finely diced): A little goes a long way for sharpness and bite.
- Feta cheese (1/2 cup, crumbled): Tangy and creamy, feta ties all the Mediterranean vibes together.
- Fresh parsley or basil (2 tablespoons, chopped): Herbs add fresh, aromatic brightness—use whichever you prefer!
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): A good olive oil brings everything together with richness.
- Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): The acidity lifts and unifies the whole salad.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): For an extra layer of zippy depth in the dressing.
- Honey (1 teaspoon): Just a touch balances tartness with subtle sweetness.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Season to perfection—don’t be shy!
How to Make High Protein Chicken Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil and add your whole wheat or high-protein pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, making sure it’s al dente—a little bite keeps the salad from getting mushy. When it’s done, drain and rinse under cold water. This not only cools the pasta quickly but also stops the cooking, keeping the texture perfect for salad.
Step 2: Combine Salad Ingredients
Once your pasta is cool, grab a large mixing bowl and add the cooked pasta, chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, feta cheese, and chopped fresh herbs. Toss them together gently so every bite gets a mix of protein, crunch, and flavor. The vibrant colors alone will put a smile on your face!
Step 3: Mix the Dressing
In a small bowl or a mason jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. This homemade dressing is zingy, fresh, and ties everything together with just the right amount of richness. If you’re a fan of tang, add a bit more lemon to taste!
Step 4: Toss Everything Together
Pour your zesty dressing over the salad mix and toss thoroughly, ensuring all the pasta and veggies are deliciously coated. The feta might melt a little into the dressing, infusing extra creaminess and flavor throughout. It’s officially hard to wait for the next step!
Step 5: Chill and Serve
To let the flavors fully develop, place the salad in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes. This rest period lets the dressing soak in, so every bite is even more satisfying. Serve your High Protein Chicken Pasta Salad chilled or at room temperature—whichever fits your mood or occasion.
How to Serve High Protein Chicken Pasta Salad
Garnishes
A final flourish really elevates this dish. Sprinkle extra crumbled feta, fresh herb leaves, or a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper right before serving. If you like a little crunch, consider a handful of toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds—they add richness and texture that pairs perfectly with the salad’s bright flavors.
Side Dishes
While this salad is definitely satisfying on its own, round out the meal with a slice of rustic whole grain bread, a bowl of soup, or a fruit platter. These sides add fun, complementary flavors and can transform your High Protein Chicken Pasta Salad into a well-rounded feast for lunch or dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings or picnics, serve the salad in individual jars or cups for easy grab-and-go portions. For a dinner party, pile it high on a platter over a bed of arugula and nestle in extra herbs. You can even tuck scoops of salad into crisp lettuce cups for high-protein salad wraps. The options are as creative as you are!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftover High Protein Chicken Pasta Salad into an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It stays fresh for up to four days—the flavors deepen and meld even more overnight, making it an excellent option for meal prep or quick, healthy lunches.
Freezing
Salads like this aren’t candidates for the freezer, since the fresh veggies and pasta tend to go mushy once defrosted. This High Protein Chicken Pasta Salad is all about crisp, fresh texture, so stick to refrigerating and enjoy within a few days for best quality.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be eaten chilled or at room temperature—no reheating needed. If you prefer a slightly warmer salad, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving, but avoid microwaving as it may impact the crispness of the veggies and the flavor of the dressing.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course, Salad
Absolutely! While high-protein pasta gives this dish its nutritional boost, feel free to use any short pasta shape you love, like penne, rotini, or even traditional semolina pasta. Just aim for something with good texture to soak up the dressing.
What other protein can I add to the salad?
This recipe is versatile—swap in cooked turkey, grilled shrimp, or canned tuna for a change of pace. You can even toss in cooked chickpeas or a hard-boiled egg for an extra punch of protein, making your High Protein Chicken Pasta Salad uniquely yours.
How do I make it vegetarian?
Simply leave out the chicken and boost the protein content with extra beans, like chickpeas or white beans, or add diced hard-boiled eggs. The feta and high-protein pasta will still deliver satisfying nutrition and delicious flavors.
Can it be made dairy-free?
Yes—just omit the feta cheese or use your favorite dairy-free cheese substitute. For an extra punch of flavor, you might want to add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or extra fresh herbs when serving.
How far in advance can I make High Protein Chicken Pasta Salad?
This salad is a meal prep dream! You can make it up to four days in advance, making it perfect for lunches, grab-and-go dinners, or picnics. Wait to add delicate garnishes, like fresh herbs or extra cheese, until just before serving for the best presentation.
Final Thoughts
Try this High Protein Chicken Pasta Salad and you might just find yourself making it on repeat! It’s quick, wholesome, and packed with so much flavor that healthy eating feels like a treat—not a chore. Whip up a batch for the week, share it with friends, or enjoy a big bowl all to yourself. However you serve it, this is a salad that brings both joy and nourishment to the table!
Print
High Protein Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course, Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This High Protein Chicken Pasta Salad is a satisfying and nutritious meal that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep for lunches. Packed with lean protein, whole grains, and fresh vegetables, it’s a flavorful and filling dish.
Ingredients
Whole Wheat or High-Protein Pasta:
8 ounces
Cooked Chicken Breast:
2 cups, chopped or shredded
Cherry Tomatoes:
1 cup, halved
Cucumber:
1 cup, diced
Red Bell Pepper:
½ cup, chopped
Red Onion:
¼ cup, finely diced
Feta Cheese:
½ cup, crumbled
Fresh Herbs (Parsley or Basil):
2 tablespoons, chopped
Olive Oil:
2 tablespoons
Lemon Juice:
2 tablespoons
Dijon Mustard:
1 tablespoon
Honey:
1 teaspoon
Salt and Pepper:
To taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, feta cheese, and fresh herbs.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until well coated.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- For extra protein, stir in a handful of cooked chickpeas or a hard-boiled egg.
- This salad keeps well for up to 4 days in the refrigerator—perfect for meal prep or lunchboxes.
