A creamy, protein-packed chicken pasta salad ready in just 15 minutes — perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or a quick healthy lunch that actually tastes amazing.
Serves 4 • 15 ingredients • 32g protein per serving
Chef's Tip
Swap regular pasta for chickpea or lentil pasta to boost protein even further — it adds roughly 8g extra protein per serving without changing the flavor much.
*Protein and cost per serving are estimates and may vary depending on ingredient brand and pasta type used.
Season and cook the chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry and rub with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sear in a hot pan for 6–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 75°C/165°F). Rest for 5 minutes, then slice or dice — this keeps the chicken juicy instead of dry, which is the most common mistake in high-protein pasta salads.
Boil the pasta
Cook the pasta in heavily salted boiling water until al dente, according to package timing. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking and prevent it from turning mushy once mixed with the dressing.
Prep the veggies
While the pasta cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and slice the olives. Keeping the vegetables crisp and freshly cut is key — this is what gives the salad its signature crunch and viral, vibrant look for photos.
Make the high-protein dressing
Whisk the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard together until smooth. Using Greek yogurt instead of mayo is the trick behind this recipe's high-protein content — it adds creaminess and roughly 3g extra protein per serving without the heaviness of traditional dressings.
Combine and finish
In a large bowl, toss the pasta, chicken, and vegetables with the dressing until evenly coated. Fold in the crumbled feta last so it stays in visible chunks rather than melting into the sauce. Serve immediately, or portion into meal-prep containers and chill — it keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Chef's Tip
For meal prep, keep the dressing separate until ready to eat — this stops the pasta from soaking up too much liquid and going soggy in the fridge.
Frequently Asked
How much protein is in this pasta salad?
Each serving contains roughly 32g of protein, thanks to the chicken, Greek yogurt dressing, and feta cheese — making it a solid post-workout or meal-prep lunch option.
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes — it's ideal for meal prep. Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. For best texture, keep the dressing separate and mix in just before eating.
Can I make this pasta salad without dairy?
Yes — swap the Greek yogurt for a dairy-free yogurt alternative and skip the feta, or replace it with extra olives or avocado for creaminess.
