Description
This High Protein Pasta Salad is a nutritious, flavorful, and satisfying meal packed with lean protein, fiber, and fresh veggies. Perfect for meal prep, post-workout fuel, or a quick, healthy lunch, this salad is as delicious as it is energizing! 🥗💪✨
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 cups whole wheat or protein pasta (chickpea, lentil, or quinoa pasta)
- 1 cup grilled chicken, diced (or tofu for plant-based)
- ½ cup chickpeas (or black beans)
- ½ cup cottage cheese (or feta)
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup almonds or sunflower seeds (for crunch)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt (or hummus for dairy-free)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2️⃣ Prepare protein: Dice grilled chicken or tofu and drain chickpeas.
3️⃣ Chop veggies: Dice cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions.
4️⃣ Make the dressing: Whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
5️⃣ Combine everything: In a large bowl, toss pasta, protein, veggies, chickpeas, cheese, and nuts/seeds.
6️⃣ Mix & serve: Drizzle with dressing, toss well, and let sit for 10 minutes before serving.
7️⃣ Enjoy your high-protein boost! 🥗💪
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes