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high protein pasta salad with chicken and veggies in a glass bowl.
Amelia Miller

High Protein Pasta Salad

Sick of the same old boring salads for lunch? Craving something different that still packs in the protein? Try High Protein Pasta Salad for a delicious and nutritious change!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 245
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Classic Chicken & Broccoli High Protein Pasta Salad
  • 1 ½ cups cooked chickpea or protein-enriched pasta
  • 1 cup grilled chicken breast, chopped
  • 1 cup steamed broccoli florets
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp sunflower seeds
  • ¼ cup feta cheese (optional)
Vegan Power Bowl Pasta Salad with Quinoa & Chickpeas
  • 1 cup cooked red lentil or quinoa pasta
  • ½ cup cooked quinoa
  • ½ cup chickpeas (roasted or plain)
  • ½ cup diced cucumber
  • ½ cup bell peppers (mixed colors)
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley or cilantro
  • 2 tbsp tahini dressing (tahini, lemon juice, garlic, maple syrup)

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot To boil the pasta.
  • 1 Strainer or colander For draining the cooked pasta.
  • 1 Large mixing bowl To combine all the ingredients.
  • 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons To accurately measure ingredients for the dressing and salad components.
  • 1 Cutting board and knife For chopping vegetables and other ingredients. 

Method
 

Classic Chicken & Broccoli High Protein Pasta Salad
  1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
  2. Whisk together the dressing and toss to coat evenly.
  3. Chill for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors develop.
    A bowl of pasta salad with chicken, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes, served with milk and bread on a checkered tablecloth.
Vegan Power Bowl Pasta Salad with Quinoa & Chickpeas
  1. Cook and cool pasta and quinoa.
  2. In a large bowl, toss together all ingredients.
  3. Drizzle with dressing and mix well.
    A bowl of chickpea and quinoa pasta salad with fresh tomatoes and basil, placed on a wooden table with a garden background.

Notes

  • All nutrition facts are an estimate.
  • You can use any type of protein-enriched pasta.
  • For a dairy-free version, omit the feta cheese.
  • If the salad gets dry after storing, add a splash of olive oil or a bit of Greek yogurt.
  • This recipe can easily be customized by adding other veggies or proteins.