High Protein Pasta Salad
This delicious High Protein Pasta Salad is fresh, simple, and perfect for a summer picnic or a protein pasta salad meal prep!
This high protein pasta salad is one of my favorite summer dishes! It’s full of crisp, fresh vegetables and lots of flavor from the Italian dressing and fresh basil.
Plus, with 38 grams of protein for a nearly two cup serving, it also makes a wonderful make ahead high protein lunch or dinner. Perfect fueling to bring to summer picnics or to take with you on a day to a park or the beach.
So let’s make it!
Ingredients
For a full ingredient list with quantities, please check out the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Pasta – you can use whatever pasta you prefer or works for you (including gluten-free, legume-based, etc.). I used Barilla’s Protein Plus Farfalle.
- Chicken – any type of chicken works! I used rotisserie chicken to keep it easy, but you can grill chicken, bake, or even used canned if that’s what works for you.
- Mozzarella Pearls – mozzarella pearls are delicious and add a little more protein to this pasta salad. If you cant find the pearls, you can chop fresh mozzarella, or substitute a different cheese you prefer (feta and cheddar are both delicious!).
- Cucumber – I quarter and thinly slice mini Persian cucumbers in this recipe. A long English cucumber works well, too, or any cucumber you have. If your cucumber is very seedy, try de-seeding it (and you may prefer to peel, it, too).
- Bell Pepper – any color works, you’ll just de-seed and chop.
- Tomatoes – I quarter grape or cherry tomatoes, but you can de-seed and chop roma or beefsteak tomatoes, too.
- Black Olives – thinly sliced! My family prefers black olives, but if you prefer a different olive like kalamata or castelvetrano olives, that’s fine!
- Italian Dressing – feel free to make your own or use store bought.
- Basil – Especially if using a store-bought dressing, I love adding some fresh basil to add a little extra flavor and freshness.
How to Make High Protein Pasta Salad
For complete instructions, please check out the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and prepare pasta according to package directions.
- Meanwhile, chop all of your chicken and vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
- Once the pasta is done, drain and let cool 5-10 minutes.
- In the largest bowl you have, add all ingredients and gently toss to combine.
- You can serve immediately, but the flavors really develop if you let the pasta salad chill in the refrigerator for a couple of hours or longer!
High Protein Pasta Salad Variations
- Add Legumes. Adding a can of chickpeas, black beans, some lentils, or any other legume is a brilliant way to add more fiber and protein.
- Make it Antipasto Style by adding some thinly sliced salami, pepperoni, and/ or ham.
- Swap the Vegetables. I love the flavor and freshness that the cucumber, bell pepper, and tomato bring, but make it your own! Any vegetable you prefer would go great, including zucchini, finely chopped broccoli, onion, and more.
- Make it Gluten-Free: use your favorite gluten-free pasta and if you’re using a store-bought Italian dressing, ensure that it’s gluten-free, too.
- Make it Dairy-Free: use a dairy-free Italian dressing and skip the mozzarella pearls. Feel free to add more olives or diced avocado instead!
- Don’t Like Olives? Skip them!
Protein Pasta Salad Meal Prep
This recipe is perfect if you’re looking for a high protein pasta salad meal prep! All the ingredients last well for 3-4 days, and the best part is that the flavors develop the longer they set!
Due to the fresh ingredients in this pasta salad, I don’t recommend ever freezing it. However, you can store it in a large or individual airtight containers and keep refrigerated for 3-4 days.
Supplies You’ll Need
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- Large pot
- Mixing bowl (large!)
- Tongs
WATCH: High Protein Pasta Salad VIDEO
More High Protein Recipes You’ll Love
- Buffalo Chicken Caesar Wrap
- Sheet Pan Pesto Chicken and Vegetables
- Bang Bang Salmon Bites
- Beef Teriyaki Bowls
- Ninja Creami High Protein Ice Cream
- High Protein Acai Bowls
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High Protein Pasta Salad
Equipment
- Mixing bowl (large!)
Ingredients
- 8 ounces protein pasta
- 16 ounces cooked chicken breast chopped
- 8 ounces mozzarella pearls
- 2 cups cucumbers quartered, thinly sliced
- 1 cup grape tomatoes quartered, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper de-seeded, chopped
- ½ cup sliced black olives
- ¼ cup fresh basil diced
- 1 cup light Italian dressing
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and prepare pasta according to package directions.8 ounces protein pasta
- Meanwhile, de-seed and chop all vegetables and chicken.16 ounces cooked chicken breast, 2 cups cucumbers, 1 cup grape tomatoes, 1 bell pepper, 1/2 cup sliced black olives, 1/4 cup fresh basil
- Once the pasta is al dente, drain the pasta water and let the pasta cool 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, add the pasta, chicken, cheese, vegetables, and dressing and toss all ingredients together to combine.8 ounces mozzarella pearls, 1 cup light Italian dressing
- You can serve immediately, or for better developed flavors, let it chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours. Enjoy!
