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Quick High-Protein Pasta Salad with Chicken

Rose
Quick High-Protein Pasta Salad with Chicken is a fresh, satisfying Mediterranean-inspired meal made with high-protein pasta, grilled chicken, chickpeas, crisp vegetables, feta, and a bright lemon-Dijon dressing. Perfect for meal prep, busy weeknights, potlucks, or a wholesome family lunch.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course, Salad
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 6 servings
Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

  • large pot For boiling pasta
  • colander For draining pasta
  • large mixing bowl
  • small bowl For dressing
  • whisk

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces high-protein pasta (chickpea or lentil pasta)
  • 1 1/2 cups cooked grilled chicken breast, diced
  • 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the high-protein pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let cool completely.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced grilled chicken, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Toss gently to distribute evenly.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until smooth and slightly thickened.
  • Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until evenly coated. Fold in the fresh parsley. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.

Notes

Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness. Let the salad chill at least 30 minutes for best flavor. Store in an airtight container up to 4 days and stir before serving. Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the pasta and vegetables will change. For lower sodium, reduce olives and feta slightly. For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with grilled tofu, tempeh, or extra chickpeas.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 32gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 480mgPotassium: 520mgFiber: 8gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 850IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 3mg
Keyword chicken pasta salad, high-protein pasta salad, meal prep salad, Mediterranean pasta salad
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