High Protein Pasta Salad with Chicken and Vegetables

Elevate your meal prep game with this High Protein Pasta Salad with Chicken and Vegetables—an irresistible combination of flavor, nutrition, and convenience! This vibrant dish features tender whole wheat pasta, juicy grilled chicken, and a medley of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, all tossed in a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. Packed with lean protein, fiber, and fresh greens like spinach, this salad is as wholesome as it is satisfying. A sprinkle of feta cheese and aromatic fresh basil takes it to the next level, making it a perfect option for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Quick to prepare in just 40 minutes and easy to customize, this healthy pasta salad is a delicious way to stay energized throughout the day.

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 oz whole wheat pasta
• 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large red bell pepper
• 1 large yellow bell pepper
• 1 medium zucchini
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 2 cups spinach
• 0.5 small red onion
• 0.5 cup feta cheese
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 cup fresh basil

Directions

Step 1

Cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.

Step 3

Brush chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with 0.25 teaspoon of salt, 0.25 teaspoon of black pepper, garlic powder, and oregano.

Step 4

Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.

Step 5

Chop the red and yellow bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. Slice the zucchini into thin rounds. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Thinly slice the red onion.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, sliced chicken, bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, spinach, and red onion.

Step 7

In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the lemon juice to form a dressing.

Step 8

Drizzle the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.

Step 9

Add feta cheese and gently mix it with the salad ingredients.

Step 10

Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

Step 11

Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Step 12

Serve the pasta salad immediately or refrigerate for up to two hours to allow flavors to meld. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1564.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1554.9

Total Fat 60.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 18.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.7g
Cholesterol 362.6mg	0%
Sodium 4243.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 118.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.4g	0%
Total Sugars 28.2g
Protein 140.6g	0%

Vitamin D 15.5IU	0%
Calcium 579.3mg	0%
Iron 10.3mg	0%
Potassium 3354.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 34.4%

Protein: 35.6%

Carbs: 30.0%