Name: Creamy High-Protein Pasta Salad with Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups plain Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 12 oz. Brami fusilli pasta (or other protein pasta); 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup English cucumbers, chopped; 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced; 4 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley, basil, chives, dill), chopped; Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Introduction

This creamy high-protein pasta salad is a delicious and satisfying dish packed with fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and a tangy lemon Greek yogurt dressing. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for a healthy lunch or a light dinner that’s full of flavor and protein.

A close-up image of a clear glass bowl filled with a three-layered pasta salad. The base layer is rotini pasta, light beige in color with a slightly rough texture. Mixed evenly throughout this, there are pieces of bright green broccoli florets, vibrant red cherry tomato halves, and small chunks of pale yellow cheese. Scattered across the salad are small cubes of cooked chicken breast, white to light brown, with a slightly moist look. The salad is lightly sprinkled with cracked black pepper on top. A wooden spoon is partially placed inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 oz. Brami fusilli pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup English cucumbers, chopped
1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
4 oz. fresh mozzarella, cubed
2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley, basil, chives, or dill), chopped
2 cups plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and garlic powder until smooth to make the creamy dressing.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, diced chicken, mozzarella, and fresh herbs.
Step 4: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently stir to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 5: Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

If the dressing is too thick, thin it slightly with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Substitute cucumbers with bell peppers for a different crunch and flavor.
Omit chicken and add chickpeas for a vegetarian version with plant-based protein.
Add chopped red onions for extra bite and flavor.
Use Banza chickpea pasta or another protein-enriched pasta for a gluten-free option.
Cook pasta to al dente to avoid a soggy salad.

Storage

Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best texture, stir the salad before serving. Reheating is not recommended as this salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

The image shows a white bowl filled with a creamy pasta salad made of three layers. The bottom layer consists of twisted rotini pasta coated in a creamy dressing, light beige in color. The middle layer includes fresh, chopped broccoli florets and halved cherry tomatoes, adding bright green and red colors and a mix of soft and crisp textures. The top layer has small chunks of cooked chicken, creamy white in color, mixed evenly throughout the salad, with a sprinkle of black pepper on top. A wooden spoon is placed inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What can I add to pasta salad to increase protein?

You can add cooked chicken, chickpeas, beans (like kidney or black beans), or cheese cubes to boost the protein content of your pasta salad.

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this salad up to 2 days in advance. Keep it refrigerated and consider reserving a bit of dressing separately to refresh the salad before serving.