Creamy High-Protein Pasta Salad Recipe in 20 Minutes

You'll Love This High-Protein Pasta Salad Recipe

• Light and refreshing. The perfect no-oven meal for summer.
• Flavorful and fresh. Delicious flavors and bursting with freshness.
• High-protein. 46 grams of protein per serving!
• Veggie forward. Fresh vegetables make this a healthy meal!
• Healthy side dish. Take this creamy pasta salad as an easy side dish for summer barbeques or parties.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Here are the ingredients you need to make this recipe. Reference the recipe card at the bottom for exact measurements and the notes below for substitution ideas.

• Protein pasta: There are several types of protein pasta in the grocery store. Banza chickpea pasta or Brami protein pasta works well in this recipe. Select a sturdy pasta shape like rotini - that's what we use in our gluten-free pasta salad with Italian dressing.
• Chicken breast: Cooked chicken (like our meal prep chicken or rotisserie chicken) adds great protein to this salad.
• Cucumbers: Cucumber is a fresh and crunchy vegetable that adds delicious texture to this high-protein pasta salad (just like in our watermelon cucumber salad). Bell peppers are a good substitution.
• Cherry tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes add juiciness and fresh flavor to this creamy pasta salad (and to our cherry tomato pasta).
• Broccoli: Chopped broccoli florets add texture, fiber, and crunch to the salad. Carrots also work well.
• Cheese: Add your favorite cheese to this yummy salad. I like mozzarella cheese, feta cheese, parmesan cheese, or cheddar cheese cubes.
• Lemon: Fresh lemon juice provides acid and flavor for the dressing. Red wine vinegar is a good substitute.
• Dijon mustard: Adds tangy flavor and helps the dressing to come together.
• Plain Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides the base for the creamy dressing and is a good source of protein.
• Fresh herbs: Any fresh herbs will help to complement this high-protein pasta salad. I used parsley, fresh basil, chives, and dill.
• Garlic powder: Garlic powder, salt, and black pepper help to season the dish.

How to Make Protein Pasta Salad with Chicken

Below are step-by-step instructions for how to cook this recipe with the best results. The recipe card at the bottom shows the exact cooking time and temperatures.

1. Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions for al dente cooking. Drain the pasta in a colander and then rinse the pasta with cold water to stop cooking.
2. Make the creamy dressing. In a small bowl, add the dressing ingredients and whisk until smooth.
3. Combine the ingredients. Place the cooked pasta into a large bowl and add the salad ingredients and dressing.
4. Gently stir. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes prior to serving.

Recipe Variations

• Onions: Add some chopped red onions for extra bite and flavor.
• Plant-based protein: Omit chicken and use chickpeas.
• Bean salad: Take inspiration from our bean salad with chicken and add in some kidney beans, black beans, or cannellini beans.
• Gluten-free: Use Banza pasta in place of Brami pasta.

Tips For Making Creamy Pasta Salad with Chicken

• If the dressing is too thick, thin it a little bit with some extra virgin olive oil.
• Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
• Cook the pasta to al dente to avoid it getting soggy.

Make Ahead

Make high-protein pasta salad up to 2 days in advance. Reserve a bit of the dressing for serving.

Storing Leftover Pasta Salad

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

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended.

What to Serve With High-Protein Chicken Pasta Salad

Other Fresh & Light Sides for Summer

Chicken pasta salad is a hearty picnic meal for summer, just like our salmon quinoa salad, chicken bean salad, and tuna pasta salad.

In a Wrap on Sandwich

Serve chicken pasta salad on a lettuce wrap or in halved red bell peppers for a light and tasty lunch.

With Other Proteins

Swap out the chicken for another protein like air fried shrimp, tuna, or air fryer salmon.

Recipe FAQs