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–+ servings
High-Protein Pasta Salad

Delicious High-Protein Pasta Salad for Quick Healthy Meals

This High-Protein Pasta Salad is a nutritious and satisfying meal option perfect for quick healthy meals.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American, Healthy
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Whole Wheat or Protein-Enriched Pasta swap for gluten-free pasta if needed
For the Protein
  • 1 pound Grilled Chicken Breast substitute with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option
  • 1 can Chickpeas use canned (rinsed) or cooked from scratch
  • 1 cup Edamame or Green Peas frozen edamame is a quick substitute
For the Freshness
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes or use diced regular tomatoes
  • 1 medium Cucumber substituting with zucchini works well too
  • 1 small Red Onion green onions can replace it for milder flavor
For the Creaminess
  • 1 cup Feta Cheese optional, omit for dairy-free version
  • 1/2 cup Greek Yogurt optional, consider vegan yogurt alternative
For the Dressing
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil avocado oil can be used
  • 3 tablespoons Lemon Juice lime juice can work similarly
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard whole grain mustard is a good alternative
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder use fresh garlic for more robust taste
  • to taste Salt & Black Pepper adjust to your taste
For the Crunch
  • 1/4 cup Sunflower or Pumpkin Seeds replace with nuts or omit for nut-free diets

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Medium Bowl
  • Large mixing bowl
  • spatula

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Cook Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water, add the pasta, and cook according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water.
  2. Prepare Dressing: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, Greek yogurt (if using), Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cooled pasta with grilled chicken, chickpeas, edamame, tomatoes, cucumber, and onion. Add feta and seeds if desired.
  4. Mix: Drizzle dressing over salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Toss before serving and sprinkle fresh herbs on top if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 550mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 10gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For best flavor, keep dressing separate until serving.

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