High Protein Chicken Pasta Salad

BY

February 24, 2026

Juicy chicken, tender pasta, and crisp vegetables come together in this High Protein Chicken Pasta Salad. Every bite delivers bold flavor and satisfying texture. This salad keeps you full, fuels your day, and works perfectly for lunches, dinners, or weekly meal prep.


Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe

  • Packed with lean protein
  • Perfect for meal prep
  • Fresh, crisp vegetables
  • Easy to customize
  • Great for lunches or light dinners

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional)

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces whole wheat rotini pasta
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • ยฝ cup red bell pepper, chopped
  • ยผ cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • ยฝ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • ยผ cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ยฝ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ยฝ teaspoon salt
  • ยผ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Swaps:
Use grilled rotisserie chicken. Substitute Greek yogurt with light mayo. Add spinach or broccoli for extra greens.


Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  3. Add cooled pasta to a large bowl.
  4. Stir in diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion.
  5. Pour dressing over the mixture. Toss until everything coats evenly.
  6. Sprinkle parsley and chill for 30 minutes before serving your High Protein Chicken Pasta Salad.

Serving Suggestions

Serve High Protein Chicken Pasta Salad chilled. Pair with fresh fruit or whole-grain bread. Garnish with extra parsley or a squeeze of lemon before serving.


Quick Tips or Variations

  • Add feta cheese for extra flavor.
  • Stir in avocado just before serving.
  • Use chickpea pasta for even more protein.

FAQs

How much protein is in High Protein Chicken Pasta Salad?

One serving contains about 30โ€“35 grams of protein, depending on the pasta and chicken used.

Can I make High Protein Chicken Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

What type of chicken works best?

Grilled or baked chicken breast works best for lean protein and firm texture.

Can I freeze chicken pasta salad?

Freezing is not recommended because the texture of pasta and yogurt dressing changes.


Conclusion

High Protein Chicken Pasta Salad brings together lean chicken, hearty pasta, and fresh vegetables in one satisfying bowl. It tastes fresh, filling, and balanced. Make it once and enjoy healthy, ready-to-go meals all week.

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High Protein Chicken Pasta Salad


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  • Author: Laura Jennings
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

High Protein Chicken Pasta Salad is a fresh and filling meal made with lean chicken, whole wheat pasta, and crisp vegetables.


Ingredients

Scale

12 ounces whole wheat rotini

2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes

1 cup cucumber, diced

1/2 cup red bell pepper

1/4 cup red onion

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons parsley


Instructions

1. Cook pasta until al dente and rinse under cold water.

2. Whisk yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, and seasonings.

3. Combine pasta, chicken, and vegetables.

4. Pour dressing over and toss evenly.

5. Chill 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Store up to 4 days refrigerated.

Add feta for extra flavor.

Use chickpea pasta for more protein.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 520mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

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