Description
This High Protein Chicken Pasta Salad is a wholesome and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breast, whole wheat pasta, and fresh vegetables tossed in a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect for meal prep or a nutritious post-workout meal, this salad is packed with protein and fiber to keep you energized and satisfied.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 8 ounces whole wheat or protein-enriched pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Set aside.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well emulsified.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, chopped chicken, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, sliced black olives (if using), crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh parsley.
- Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently but thoroughly until everything is well coated with the dressing.
- Season and Chill: Taste the salad and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Use grilled or rotisserie chicken to save time and add flavor.
- For an extra protein boost, stir in cooked quinoa, edamame, or chickpeas.
- This salad keeps well for meal prep—store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Salad
- Method: Boiling, No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
