Description
A fresh, filling high-protein pasta salad featuring grilled chicken breast, chickpeas, and mozzarella pearls combined with crunchy vegetables and a zesty homemade dressing. This Mediterranean-inspired salad is perfect for meal prep, lunch, or a light dinner, offering a nutritious balance of protein, fiber, and vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Pasta Salad
- 300 g high-protein pasta or chickpea pasta
- 250 g grilled chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely sliced
- 1/2 cup mozzarella pearls
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp Kalamata olives, sliced
Dressing
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, diced grilled chicken breast, rinsed chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, finely sliced red onion, mozzarella pearls, chopped fresh parsley, and sliced Kalamata olives.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and season with salt and black pepper to taste until well combined.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta salad ingredients. Toss gently but thoroughly to evenly coat all components with the dressing.
- Chill the Salad: Refrigerate the salad for at least 20 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
- Serve: Before serving, give the salad one more gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and ingredients well.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time without sacrificing flavor.
- Substitute part of the olive oil with Greek yogurt for a creamier and higher-protein dressing.
- Boost protein content further by adding tuna, turkey, edamame, or boiled eggs.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Lunch, Meal Prep, Main Course
- Method: Boiling and No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
