Bright, refreshing, and absolutely brimming with nourishment, this High Protein Pasta Salad with Chicken is my go-to when I want something that’s hearty yet light, comforting yet lively. Each bite brings together juicy chicken, a creamy Greek yogurt dressing, and a colorful parade of crisp vegetables over tender, protein-packed pasta. It’s the perfect dish for make-ahead lunches, summer gatherings, or anytime you’re craving something deliciously satisfying that won’t weigh you down.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this High Protein Pasta Salad with Chicken is just how simple, yet purposeful, each ingredient is. Every component adds its own unique pop of flavor, texture, color, and nutrition, coming together for an irresistible, feel-good meal.
- Cooked pasta (3 cups): Whole grain or chickpea pasta bumps up the protein, and provides a lovely chewy base that soaks up the dressing beautifully.
- Chicken, diced (2 cups): Rotisserie or grilled chicken makes this salad extra hearty—ensure it’s juicy and tender for the best results.
- Greek yogurt (1/2 cup): This gives the dressing its creamy, tangy profile, and adds another dose of protein.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Adds silky richness and rounds out the flavors in the dressing.
- Lemon juice (1 tbsp): Just a splash wakes up every other ingredient and adds a zippy brightness.
- Cherry tomatoes, halved (1 cup): Juicy, sweet, and colorful—these add bursts of freshness to every forkful.
- Cucumbers, diced (1/2 cup): Crisp, cool, and hydrating for that irresistible crunch.
- Feta cheese (1/4 cup): Salty, creamy, and a wonderful finishing touch that ties everything together.
How to Make High Protein Pasta Salad with Chicken
Step 1: Make the Creamy Greek Yogurt Dressing
Begin by whisking the Greek yogurt, olive oil, and lemon juice together in a large mixing bowl. This creamy dressing is the heart of the High Protein Pasta Salad with Chicken—it’s luxuriously smooth and delightfully tangy without any heaviness. Make sure it’s completely blended so each bite of salad is evenly coated.
Step 2: Combine Pasta, Chicken, Veggies, and Feta
Add the cooked and cooled pasta, diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and crumbled feta into the bowl with your dressing. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly. You want the dressing to hug every piece, infusing the salad with flavor and binding all the colorful textures into one delicious harmony.
Step 3: Chill to Let Flavors Mingle
For ultimate flavor, cover your pasta salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This short rest allows all the zesty dressing, juicy veggies, and savory chicken to meld into the best version of themselves, making your High Protein Pasta Salad with Chicken extra crave-worthy.
How to Serve High Protein Pasta Salad with Chicken
Garnishes
A final sprinkle of fresh herbs, a handful of microgreens, or a few extra crumbles of feta can make your salad shine. Try dill, parsley, or chives for punchy green flavor, or even a few cracks of black pepper to enhance the creamy dressing.
Side Dishes
High Protein Pasta Salad with Chicken is satisfying on its own, but if you’re building a spread, pair it with grilled vegetables, fresh fruit, or a simple green salad. It’s also fantastic alongside warm pita or crusty whole grain bread for scooping and savoring every last bit.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, serve this salad in individual mason jars or colorful bowls for a casual, grab-and-go vibe. You can also stuff it inside pita pockets or wrap it in whole grain tortillas—turning the High Protein Pasta Salad with Chicken into a delicious handheld lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover High Protein Pasta Salad with Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it ideal for prepping lunches ahead of a busy week.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this type of salad, as the creamy dressing and fresh veggies lose their texture after thawing. For best results, enjoy it fresh or within a few days chilled.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. If you’d like it less chilly, let it sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving—the flavors shine without heat, and the chicken remains perfectly tender.
FAQs
Can I swap the Greek yogurt for something dairy-free?
Absolutely! Try using a plain, unsweetened dairy-free yogurt instead of Greek yogurt for the dressing. You’ll still get that creamy texture and tang, just without the dairy.
What’s the best pasta shape for High Protein Pasta Salad with Chicken?
Short, sturdy shapes like rotini, penne, or fusilli work wonders. Their grooves and twists hold onto the creamy dressing and all those vibrant veggies, so you get a flavorful bite every time.
Can I add extra vegetables to this salad?
Definitely—feel free to toss in diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or baby spinach for more crunch and color. This salad is super flexible, so let your imagination (and your crisper drawer) guide you!
Is this High Protein Pasta Salad with Chicken good for meal prep?
It’s fantastic for meal prep! Make it ahead, portion into containers, and you’ll have a satisfying, protein-rich lunch all week long. It holds up beautifully and actually gets more flavorful overnight.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Of course. Just swap the chicken for chickpeas, tofu, or extra feta for protein. The Greek yogurt dressing is still delicious, and you’ll have a fresh, filling vegetarian main or side.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the mood for something quick, colorful, and packed with nourishment, you can’t go wrong with High Protein Pasta Salad with Chicken. It’s easy to prep, great for sharing, and always a hit at the table—give it a try and watch it become an instant favorite in your meal rotation!
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High Protein Pasta Salad with Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A light and protein-rich pasta salad with chicken, Greek yogurt dressing, and veggies.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 3 cups cooked pasta (whole grain or chickpea pasta for extra protein)
Chicken:
- 2 cups chicken, diced
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Veggies:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumbers, diced
Additional:
- 1/4 cup feta cheese
Instructions
- Whisk dressing: Combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, and lemon juice to make the dressing.
- Toss ingredients: Mix pasta, chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese in a bowl. Add the dressing and toss to combine.
- Chill: Refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15m
