Are you tired of the same old boring lunch? Looking for a new way to shake up your meal prep routine? Then you've come to the right place. This protein pasta salad is the ultimate answer for a fast, delicious, and satisfying meal. I remember the first time I made it, it was a hot summer day, and I wanted something that was both refreshing and filling. This recipe was an instant hit with my family and has since become a go-to in my kitchen.
It's the perfect solution for an easy at home salad that packs a punch of flavor. The best part is how it uses simple ingredients to deliver a meal that feels anything but simple. This recipe will not only change your opinion of pasta salads but will also become a staple in your summer repertoire.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This isn't just another pasta with salad recipe; it's a vibrant, colorful, and incredibly simple dish that's perfect for any occasion. This is a genuinely good cold lunch idea for a busy weekday, and it also doubles as a stunning centerpiece for a family gathering or picnic. When I'm short on time, this is the recipe I turn to because it's ready in under 30 minutes! You'll love that this high protein pasta salad is versatile and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.
Plus, it's a good summer dinner recipe that doesn't require you to turn on the stove for long, keeping your kitchen cool. This recipe is also a fantastic meat meal prep idea because it holds up beautifully in the refrigerator for days, making your meal planning a breeze.
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Ingredients
This pasta with salad recipe comes together with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that you can find at any grocery store. The key is to start with a base of fresh, high-quality components.
Essential Ingredients
- 2 cups (200 g / 7 oz) short pasta - rotini or fusilli work best
- 250 g (9 oz) cooked & shredded chicken breast - about 1-2 medium chicken breasts
- 2 celery stalks (½ cup / 50 g) - finely chopped
- ½ small red onion (¼ cup / 30 g) - finely diced
- 1 medium sweet bell pepper (1 cup / 120 g) - chopped
- ½ cup (120 ml) plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon (1 g) garlic powder
- Salt & black pepper - to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh parsley - chopped, for garnish
Optional Add-ins and Variations
- 2 tablespoons nuts - slivered almonds or chopped walnuts
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs - dill or chives for extra flavor
- 1 cup (150 g) chickpeas or black beans - for a vegetarian version
- ½ cup (50 g) diced cucumber - for extra crunch
- ½ cup (60 g) crumbled feta or mini mozzarella balls - if you love cheese
The full protein pasta salad instructions are right in the card below.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this protein pasta salad is a straightforward process, and with these easy-to-follow steps, you'll have a delicious meal ready in no time. Each step is designed to maximize flavor and ensure a perfect texture, so you can enjoy a perfect summer salad for lunch.
1. Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil on the stove. Add your choice of short pasta and cook it according to the package directions, aiming for an al dente texture. This is important because the pasta will absorb some of the dressing, and you don't want it to become mushy. Once it's cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process. This also helps prevent the pasta from sticking together, which is key for a good pasta salad with protein.
2. Prepare the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt or mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, a small amount of garlic powder, and a dash of salt and pepper. You want to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. If the dressing is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of milk or a little water at a time until it reaches your desired texture. This creamy dressing is what will bind all the ingredients together and give the salad its incredible flavor.
3. Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, shredded chicken, and all the chopped vegetables. Pour the creamy dressing over the mixture and toss everything together gently with a spatula until every piece of chicken and pasta is evenly coated. Make sure you get all the way to the bottom of the bowl so no ingredient is left behind.
Q: Can I use a different type of protein?
Absolutely! While this is an excellent meat salads dinner, you can easily substitute the chicken with other cooked proteins like shredded turkey, flaked salmon, or even chopped hard-boiled eggs for a different flavor profile. For a vegetarian option, chickpeas or black beans work wonderfully, making this a versatile and adaptable recipe.
4. Chill and Serve
For the best results, cover the bowl and refrigerate the protein pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together, creating a more cohesive and delicious taste. When you're ready to serve, give it a good stir, and you can garnish it with fresh parsley or any of your favorite herbs. This is my go-to for an easy lunch with chicken.
Expert Tips for a Perfect Pasta Salad
Having made this recipe many times, I've learned a few tricks that make a big difference.
For example, don't skip the step of rinsing the pasta with cold water; it's the secret to a perfect texture and prevents a sticky, clumpy salad.
Another tip is to chop all your vegetables into small, uniform pieces.
This ensures that you get a bit of everything in each bite, creating a balanced and flavorful experience.
If you're preparing this ahead of time as a meat meal prep idea, you can store the dressing separately and toss it with the pasta right before serving to maintain the crunchiness of the vegetables.
You can also mix half of the dressing with the pasta and chicken and save the rest to add right before serving for a fresher taste.
Serving Suggestions & Pairing Ideas
This high protein pasta salad is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with other simple dishes. For a light and easy summer meal, I like to serve it alongside a fresh green salad or a bowl of juicy watermelon. It's also a perfect companion to grilled food like corn on the cob or skewers. For a crowd-pleasing combination, you can serve it with a basket of warm garlic bread. It's the kind of dish that brings people together and makes a meal feel special, even on a casual weekday.
More Recipes You'll Love
Since you're a fan of easy at home salads, you might also enjoy some of my other simple and delicious recipes. I've curated a few of my favorites that I think you'll love for meal prepping or a quick meal.
- This creamy chicken casserole is the ultimate comfort food, with a hearty, savory flavor.
- My easy ground beef tacos are a weeknight favorite that the whole family will love.
- This quick shrimp scampi is a light and flavorful dish that comes together in a flash.
Want a printable version? Use the recipe Dinner card below. Tried this recipe? Tag me on Pinterest @AlianaRecipes-I'd love to see your twist on it!
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Pairing
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