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High Protein Chicken Pasta Salad – Fresh, Filling, and Meal-Prep Friendly

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 to 1.25 lb) or rotisserie chicken
  • Pasta: 12 oz high-protein pasta (chickpea, lentil, or protein-enriched wheat), preferably short shapes like rotini or penne
  • Vegetables: 1 English cucumber, 1 red bell pepper, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1/2 small red onion
  • Add-ins: 1/2 cup canned chickpeas (rinsed and drained), 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
  • Herbs: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill or basil
  • Cheese (optional but recommended): 1/2 cup crumbled feta
  • Dressing: 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or 5%), 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, juice of 1/2 lemon, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 garlic clove (minced), 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp honey or maple syrup, salt and black pepper
  • Seasoning for chicken: 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, drizzle of olive oil

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the high-protein pasta until just al dente (usually 1 minute less than package directions). Drain and rinse under cool water to stop cooking, then drain well.
  2. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry. Rub with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder on both sides.
  3. Cook the chicken: Grill or pan-sear over medium heat for 5–7 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Rest for 5 minutes, then dice into bite-size pieces. If using rotisserie chicken, shred about 3 cups.
  4. Chop the veggies: Dice the cucumber and bell pepper, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion. Rinse and drain chickpeas. Chop parsley and dill.
  5. Make the dressing: In a bowl, whisk Greek yogurt, olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon, garlic, oregano, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust acidity or salt to your liking.
  6. Combine: In a large bowl, add cooled pasta, chicken, cucumber, bell pepper, tomatoes, onion, chickpeas, olives (if using), and herbs. Pour in about two-thirds of the dressing and toss gently to coat.
  7. Add cheese and adjust: Fold in feta. Add the remaining dressing if needed. Season with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice to brighten.
  8. Chill and serve: Let the salad rest in the fridge for at least 20–30 minutes so flavors meld. Serve cold or at cool room temperature.