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A close-up shot of the healthy pasta salad, showing the texture of the rotini pasta, grilled chicken, and fresh mozzarella pearls.
FL Recipes

High-Protein Italian Pasta Salad (The Ultimate Recipe)

This High-Protein Italian Pasta Salad is packed with grilled chicken, chickpeas, fresh veggies, and a zesty homemade vinaigrette. It's the perfect healthy, flavorful, and satisfying meal for lunch, dinner, or easy meal prep.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Salad
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Salad
  • 12 oz Rotini Pasta or other short pasta
  • 2 cups Cooked Chicken Breast diced
  • 1 can (15 oz) Chickpeas rinsed and drained
  • 8 oz Fresh Mozzarella Pearls
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup Cucumber diced
  • 1/2 cup Black Olives sliced
  • 1/4 cup Red Onion thinly sliced
For the Italian Vinaigrette
  • 1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper or to taste

Equipment

  • 1 Large Pot
  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Whisk

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool completely.
  2. While the pasta cooks, prepare the vinaigrette. In a small bowl or a jar with a lid, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake until well emulsified.
  3. In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced chicken, chickpeas, mozzarella pearls, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, black olives, and red onion.
  4. Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
  5. For best results, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled.

Nutrition

Calories: 485kcalProtein: 32gFat: 25gFiber: 6g

Notes

Storage: Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Pasta Choice: Any short pasta like fusilli, penne, or bow ties will work well in this recipe.
Flavor Boost: Add a tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley or basil for an extra layer of fresh flavor.
Keyword chicken pasta salad,healthy pasta salad,high protein pasta salad

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