Description
This Easy High-Protein Pasta Salad is a nutritious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a quick lunch or meal prep. Packed with whole wheat or protein-enriched pasta, chicken, chickpeas, and colorful veggies, this Mediterranean-inspired salad is tossed in a flavorful vinaigrette dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta Salad:
- 8 ounces whole wheat or protein-enriched pasta
- 1 cup cooked and diced chicken breast
- 1 cup canned chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- ½ cup diced cucumber
- ½ cup chopped red bell pepper
- ¼ cup red onion (finely diced)
- ½ cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- ¼ cup black olives (sliced)
Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and 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 Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, feta cheese, and olives.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Toss and Chill: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to combine. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Notes
- This salad can be made up to a day in advance and is perfect for meal prep.
- To make it vegetarian, omit the chicken and add extra chickpeas or cooked quinoa.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
