Ingredients
- 8 ounces high-protein pasta (such as chickpea, lentil, or whole wheat)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers (any color)
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese or shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons hummus or light mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons good quality olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook high-protein pasta according to package directions.
- Drain pasta and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool.
- Slice cherry tomatoes; dice cucumber, bell peppers, and red onion; slice black olives if using.
- Grill, bake, or pan-sear chicken breasts until fully cooked, then cut or shred into bite-sized pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together plain Greek yogurt, hummus or light mayonnaise, lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until smooth.
- In a large bowl, toss cooled pasta, chicken, chopped vegetables, black olives (if using), and crumbled feta or shredded Parmesan cheese.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld, or serve at room temperature.
Notes
For a vegan twist, swap the pasta to chickpea or lentil varieties and replace chicken with tofu or preferred plant-based protein., Use vegan cheese alternatives and plant-based yogurt and mayonnaise to keep the dressing creamy., Add fresh spinach, avocado, or shredded carrots to increase vegetable content., Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños for a spicy kick., Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days., Freezing is not recommended as it may affect texture and flavor., Gently reheat if desired, but best served chilled or at room temperature., Short on time? Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken., Rinse cooked pasta with cold water to prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 400 kcal per serving
- Fat: Approximately 12 g per serving
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 35 g per serving
- Protein: Approximately 35 g per serving