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Protein-Packed Chicken Pasta Salad

Protein-Packed Chicken Pasta Salad for a Flavorful Boost

The Protein-Packed Chicken Pasta Salad is a wholesome escape delivering over 32 grams of protein per serving, perfect for those on the go.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 cups
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces High-protein or whole-wheat rotini or penne pasta Substitute with gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
For the Protein
  • 4 cups Cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep.
For the Vegetables
  • 2 cups Cherry tomatoes, halved Substitute with grape tomatoes if desired.
  • 1 large English cucumber, diced Any similar cucumber can be used.
  • 1 medium Red bell pepper, diced Can be swapped for yellow or orange bell peppers.
  • 0.5 medium Red onion, thinly sliced Substitute with green onions for a lighter taste.
  • 0.25 cup Fresh parsley, chopped Use any fresh herbs you like, such as dill or cilantro.
  • 0.25 cup Fresh basil, chopped Use any fresh herbs you like, such as dill or cilantro.
  • 0.5 cup Pitted Kalamata olives, halved Optional for those who prefer a milder flavor.
For the Dressing
  • 0.75 cup Plain Greek yogurt Use dairy-free yogurt for a dairy-free option.
  • 0.25 cup Mayonnaise or extra Greek yogurt Can be substituted with an avocado mash for a lighter take.
  • 3 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice Use vinegar as an alternative.
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard Swap with yellow mustard if necessary.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried oregano Fresh oregano can be used if available.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt, plus more to taste
  • 0.25 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper Optional for those sensitive to spice.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil Can be substituted with avocado oil.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • medium mixing bowl
  • large mixing bowl
  • sharp knife
  • cutting board

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Start by bringing a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the high-protein rotini or penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander, then rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  2. While the pasta cools, shred or dice the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Chop the cherry tomatoes in half, dice the cucumber, and finely slice the red onion and red bell pepper. Organize all these vibrant vegetables into a bowl for easy access.
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise (or more Greek yogurt), and lemon juice. Add Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and olive oil. Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy, adjusting the seasoning to taste.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, shredded chicken, chopped vegetables, and Kalamata olives (if using). Pour the creamy dressing over the top and gently toss everything together until well-coated.
  5. Cover the salad bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Allow it to chill for at least 30 minutes, ideally letting it sit for 2-4 hours for the best flavor.
  6. Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to recombine any settled ingredients. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Garnish with additional fresh herbs or crumbled feta if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 32gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1200IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. A splash of lemon juice can refresh the salad after a few days.

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