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A colorful high protein pasta salad in a large bowl, ready to serve

High Protein Pasta Salad

This high-protein pasta salad is a perfect quick and healthy meal. Packed with protein from chicken and chickpeas, it's flavorful, easy to make, and great for meal prep.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta Salad
  • 8 ounces Cooked pasta e.g., chickpea pasta for extra protein
  • 12 ounces Cooked chicken breast shredded or diced
  • 1 can Chickpeas 15 ounces), rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup Cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup Cucumber diced
  • 1/4 cup Red onion finely diced
  • 1/2 cup Feta cheese crumbled (optional, for extra flavor)
  • 1/4 cup Fresh parsley chopped
Lemon-Herb Dressing
  • 1/4 cup Olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper or to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Prepare the Pasta
  1. Cook 8 ounces of your chosen pasta according to package directions until al dente, then rinse with cold water and drain well to prevent sticking.
Combine Salad Ingredients
  1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, rinsed chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely diced red onion, and optional crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh parsley.
Make the Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Dress the Salad
  1. Pour the lemon-herb dressing over the pasta salad ingredients and toss gently to ensure all components are evenly coated.
Chill and Serve
  1. For best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, then serve chilled.

Notes

Feel free to customize this salad with your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, olives, or spinach. For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and add extra chickpeas or white beans. This salad is excellent for meal prep and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.