Description
This Easy High-Protein Pasta Salad is a nutritious and flavorful dish perfect for a quick meal or meal prep. Packed with protein from chicken, chickpeas, and feta cheese, it’s a satisfying and delicious option for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta Salad:
- 8 ounces whole wheat pasta or protein pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (cubed)
- 1 cup chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup cucumber (diced)
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper (chopped)
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chicken, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, feta cheese, and parsley.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.
- Chill and Serve: Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Notes
- Substitute tuna or hard-boiled eggs for chicken if desired.
- For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and add more beans.
- This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
