High Protein Greek Pasta Salad (Printable version)
Protein-packed Mediterranean pasta salad with chicken, feta, and fresh vegetables in a tangy yogurt dressing. Perfect for meal prep.
# What you need:
→ Pasta
01 - 7 oz whole wheat penne or rotini
→ Protein
02 - 10.5 oz cooked chicken breast, diced (or 1 can chickpeas, drained, for vegetarian option)
03 - 7 oz reduced-fat feta cheese, cubed
04 - 7 oz plain nonfat Greek yogurt
→ Vegetables
05 - 1 large cucumber, diced
06 - 7 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
07 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
08 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
09 - 2.8 oz pitted Kalamata olives, halved
→ Dressing
10 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
11 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
12 - 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
13 - 1 clove garlic, minced
14 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
15 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
16 - Optional: fresh dill or parsley, chopped
# How to make it:
01 - Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water to stop cooking, and set aside.
02 - In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken or chickpeas, feta cheese, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, and olives.
03 - In a separate small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
04 - Pour dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
05 - Garnish with chopped fresh dill or parsley if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 days to allow flavors to meld.
# Expert tips:
01 -
- The protein keeps you satisfied for hours without that heavy feeling
- It actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge making it perfect for meal prep
02 -
- Rinse the pasta thoroughly or the starch will make the dressing disappear into the noodles
- The salad needs at least 30 minutes in the fridge for flavors to really come together
03 -
- Chop all your vegetables slightly larger than you think you should so they maintain their crunch
- Let the dressed salad sit for at least an hour before serving