High Protein Chicken Pasta Salad

If you’re craving something light, refreshing, and packed with protein, this High Protein Chicken Pasta Salad is about to become your go-to meal. Picture juicy grilled chicken, tender pasta, and a medley of fresh veggies all tossed together with a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it ideal for a quick lunch, dinner, or even a picnic spread. Trust me, this recipe checks all the boxes—it’s simple, satisfying, and absolutely delicious. Ready to dig in?

Why You’ll Love High Protein Chicken Pasta Salad

Packed with Protein

This pasta salad is loaded with protein from the chicken and Greek yogurt, making it a filling meal that will keep you full longer. Whether you’re fueling up after a workout or just need a satisfying meal, this salad has you covered.

Refreshing and Light

It’s the perfect dish to enjoy on a warm day. The fresh veggies and tangy dressing give it a refreshing vibe, while the chicken provides just the right amount of substance to make it a complete meal.

Versatile

This salad is super customizable—you can add in your favorite veggies, switch up the dressing, or even use a different type of pasta. It’s a great way to use up leftovers or get creative with what’s in your fridge.

Quick and Easy

If you’re short on time, this recipe is a breeze. With minimal prep and just a few simple steps, you can have a protein-packed meal ready in no time.

Great for Meal Prep

This pasta salad stores well in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prep. You can make a big batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this High Protein Chicken Pasta Salad.

Chicken Breast

The star of this dish—lean, juicy grilled chicken breast adds plenty of protein and flavor. You’ll want to cook it up and cut it into bite-sized pieces to make it easy to mix into the salad.

Pasta

Choose your favorite pasta—whole wheat, chickpea, or even a gluten-free option works great. It’s the perfect base for all the fresh ingredients and dressing to come together.

Greek Yogurt

Instead of mayo, Greek yogurt adds creaminess while bumping up the protein content. It’s tangy and light, making it a perfect addition to the dressing.

Fresh Veggies

We’ll use some colorful veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes to add crunch, flavor, and extra nutrients to the salad. You can also throw in some red onion or spinach if you like!

Olive Oil and Vinegar

These ingredients help make the base of the dressing, along with a little lemon juice for brightness. The combo gives a zesty kick that complements the chicken and veggies perfectly.

Seasonings

A simple mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried herbs (like oregano or basil) will elevate the flavors in this salad. Feel free to add a pinch of chili flakes for a little extra heat!

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make this tasty salad? Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking your pasta according to the package directions. Once it’s al dente, drain and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked. Once done, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Prepare the Veggies

While the chicken and pasta are cooling, chop up your veggies. Dice the bell peppers, cucumber, and halve the cherry tomatoes. You can also thinly slice some red onion if you like a bit of sharpness.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until smooth. If you like your dressing a bit thinner, you can add a splash of water or extra lemon juice.

Step 5: Toss Everything Together

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, grilled chicken, veggies, and dressing. Toss everything together until evenly coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to balance the flavors.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve immediately or store in the fridge for a few hours to let the flavors marinate. This salad is great both chilled and at room temperature, making it perfect for meal prep or a quick lunch.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 350mg
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 35g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve High Protein Chicken Pasta Salad

This salad is a meal in itself, but it pairs well with other dishes if you want to make it more substantial:

Garlic Bread

Serve with a side of warm garlic bread or crusty rolls to dip into the creamy dressing. A slice of toasted sourdough also works wonderfully!

Fresh Greens

Pair the salad with a side of leafy greens like spinach or arugula to add even more nutrients. You can even toss them into the salad for extra crunch.

Fruit Salad

A side of fresh fruit—like mixed berries or citrus slices—adds a sweet contrast to the savory chicken pasta salad. It’s a refreshing and light way to balance out the meal.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, or carrots are a perfect complement to this salad, adding a roasted flavor that pairs beautifully with the fresh ingredients.

Additional Tips

Meal Prep

This salad stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for making ahead of time, so you can pack it for lunch or grab it for a quick dinner.

Swap the Protein

Feel free to swap the chicken for another protein, like grilled shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. This recipe is flexible!

Customize the Veggies

Add or swap in any vegetables you like. Try roasted zucchini, roasted red peppers, or even some sweet corn for a fun twist on this dish.

Extra Creamy

If you prefer a creamier dressing, you can add a little bit of mayonnaise or more Greek yogurt. You can also sprinkle in some grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Make it Spicy

If you love a little heat, add some chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of hot sauce to give the salad a spicy kick.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A1: Absolutely! Feel free to use any pasta you like—whole wheat, gluten-free, or even a chickpea-based pasta for extra protein.

Q2: Can I make this salad ahead of time?

A2: Yes! This salad is perfect for meal prep. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Q3: Can I use a store-bought dressing?

A3: If you’re short on time, you can use a store-bought dressing, but I recommend a light vinaigrette or Greek yogurt-based dressing for the best flavor.

Q4: Can I add cheese to this salad?

A4: Definitely! You can add some crumbled feta, shredded cheddar, or even a little Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?

A5: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It makes for a quick and delicious lunch the next day.

Q6: Can I use frozen chicken?

A6: Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to fully cook it through before adding it to the salad. It’s best to thaw it before grilling.

Q7: Can I make this salad vegetarian?

A7: Yes! You can swap the chicken for grilled tofu or tempeh, or even add more beans like chickpeas or black beans for added protein.

Q8: How can I make this salad spicier?

A8: You can add some chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or even a drizzle of hot sauce to spice it up.

Q9: Can I add fruit to this salad?

A9: Yes! Try adding some fresh fruit like apple slices, grapes, or berries for a sweet contrast to the savory flavors.

Q10: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

A10: Yes! You can use dairy-free yogurt or skip the cheese for a dairy-free version of this recipe.

Conclusion

This High Protein Chicken Pasta Salad is the ultimate combination of delicious and nutritious. It’s full of flavor, packed with protein, and easy to make—perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re meal prepping, hosting a gathering, or just need a quick lunch, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. Enjoy!

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