High Protein Refreshing Cold Pasta Salad

Packed with vibrant flavors and an irresistible mix of textures, this High Protein Refreshing Cold Pasta Salad is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for health-conscious meal preppers and picnic enthusiasts alike. Made with hearty whole wheat pasta, tender grilled chicken, protein-rich chickpeas, and a medley of fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and baby spinach, this salad delivers a satisfying punch of nutrition and taste. Finished with a zesty homemade dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a hint of honey, this dish strikes the perfect balance of tangy and sweet. Topped with crumbly feta for a creamy finish, it’s a meal you can feel good about. Quick to make in just 30 minutes, this cold pasta salad is ideal for a light lunch, post-workout fuel, or a shareable side dish at gatherings. Stay cool, satiated, and energized with this easy high-protein recipe!

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 250 grams whole wheat pasta
• 1 cup chickpeas, canned and drained
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium cucumber, diced
• 1 medium grilled chicken breast, diced
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 100 grams feta cheese, crumbled
• 0.5 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Begin by cooking the whole wheat pasta in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool the pasta completely, then set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients: halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, slice the red onion, and dice the grilled chicken breast.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, grilled chicken, baby spinach, crumbled feta, and red onion. Toss gently to combine.

Step 4

In a small bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well blended.

Step 5

Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.

Step 6

Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 7

Chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 8

Serve cold and enjoy your High Protein Refreshing Cold Pasta Salad as a nutritious meal or side dish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1217.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1580.8

Total Fat 76.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 22.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 212.3mg	0%
Sodium 2928.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 145.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 29.4g	0%
Total Sugars 27.2g
Protein 89.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 743.3mg	0%
Iron 11.6mg	0%
Potassium 2148.5mg	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: 42.4%

Protein: 21.9%

Carbs: 35.6%