Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this creamy high protein pasta salad! It’s one of my absolute go-to recipes for those busy weeknights when I need something quick yet satisfying. Just imagine a bowl of perfectly cooked pasta tossed with tender chicken, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and a creamy dressing that’s made with Greek yogurt. Seriously, it’s so delicious and refreshing! The best part? You can whip this up in under an hour, and it’s packed with protein to keep you feeling full and energized. I love making it ahead of time, so it’s ready to grab for lunch or as a side dish at dinner. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it all the time!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy high protein pasta salad that’s both delicious and nutritious. Gather these fresh ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (your choice, I love using rotini or penne for the perfect bite)
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (this gives it that creamy texture and packs in the protein)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced (feel free to use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (they add a pop of color and sweetness)
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced (for that refreshing crunch)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (this gives it a nice kick)
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped (for a burst of freshness)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (to help bring it all together)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (this brightens up the flavors beautifully)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skip this for the best flavor!)
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking! Making this creamy high protein pasta salad is super simple, and I promise you’ll love how easy it is. Here’s what you need to do:
- First, boil a pot of water and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. I like to set a timer to avoid overcooking! Once it’s done, drain it and rinse it under cold water to cool it down quickly. Trust me, this step is key to keeping your salad fresh and not mushy.
- While the pasta is cooling, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir until it’s nice and smooth. This will be your creamy dressing!
- Next, add the cooled pasta, diced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, and chopped parsley to the bowl. Wow, look at those colors!
- Now, toss everything together gently until it’s all well coated in that creamy goodness. Take a moment to taste it and see if you want to tweak the seasoning a bit.
- Finally, cover the bowl and chill your pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps all those flavors meld together beautifully. Plus, it’s so refreshing when it’s cold!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Packed with protein from Greek yogurt and chicken to keep you full and satisfied.
- Versatile enough to serve as a main dish or a delightful side.
- Refreshing and vibrant, with colorful veggies that make it visually appealing.
- Great for meal prep—make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week!
- Customizable—add your favorite veggies or proteins for a personal touch.
Tips for Success
Here are some of my top tips to ensure your creamy high protein pasta salad turns out absolutely perfect every time! First, make sure to rinse the pasta under cold water after cooking; this halts the cooking process and keeps it from getting gummy. If you want to switch things up, you can easily substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian version. Also, feel free to mix in other veggies like bell peppers or spinach—get creative with whatever you have on hand!
For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of your favorite herbs or spices. A dash of garlic powder or some Italian seasoning can take this salad to the next level! And remember, the longer it chills in the fridge, the better the flavors meld together, so don’t rush that step if you can help it!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this creamy high protein pasta salad! For starters, try adding different veggies like bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even roasted zucchini for a twist. If you want to boost the protein even more, toss in some black beans or cooked quinoa—both are fantastic options! You could also experiment with different proteins like diced turkey, shrimp, or even a sprinkle of feta cheese for extra flavor.
As for dressings, swap out the Greek yogurt for a zesty ranch or a tangy vinaigrette if you’re in the mood. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Nutritional Information Section
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for this creamy high protein pasta salad, so you can enjoy it guilt-free! Each serving (about 1 cup) contains approximately:
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fiber: 3g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy this delicious, protein-packed meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your creamy high protein pasta salad is super easy! Just transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for about 3–4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or snacks. If you want to enjoy it later, just give it a good stir before serving, as the dressing may thicken up a bit in the fridge.
Now, if you’re thinking about reheating, keep in mind that this salad is best served cold. So, no need to heat it up! Just enjoy it straight from the fridge for a refreshing meal any time of day.
FAQ Section
Can I make this creamy high protein pasta salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I recommend making it a day in advance. The flavors really meld together and it tastes even better after chilling overnight in the fridge.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
You can use any pasta you like! I often go for rotini or penne because they hold the dressing nicely, but feel free to use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if that’s your preference!
Can I add more veggies to the pasta salad?
Yes, definitely! This creamy high protein pasta salad is super versatile. You can mix in bell peppers, spinach, or even some roasted veggies. Just make sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces!
How long does it last in the fridge?
It should stay fresh for about 3–4 days in an airtight container. Just give it a stir before enjoying it again!
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It’s perfect for meal prep. Just divide it into portions and you’ll have a quick, protein-packed meal ready to go for the week!
Creamy High Protein Pasta Salad You’ll Crave in 30 Minutes
- Temps Total: 55 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: High Protein
Description
A creamy and high protein pasta salad perfect for a quick meal or side dish.
Ingrédients
- 8 oz pasta (your choice)
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool.
- In a large bowl, mix Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooked pasta, chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley to the bowl.
- Toss everything together until well combined.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
- Substitute chicken with chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
- Add more vegetables as desired.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 10 minutes
- Catégorie: Salad
- Méthode: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sucre: 3g
- De Sodium: 250mg
- La graisse: 10g
- Graisses Saturées: 2g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 40g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 25g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 60mg
Mots-clés: creamy high protein pasta salad
