High Protein Refreshing Cold Pasta Salad
Elevate your mealtime with this High Protein Refreshing Cold Pasta Salad, a perfect balance of nutrition and vibrant flavors. Featuring whole wheat pasta as the hearty base, this dish is packed with protein-rich chickpeas and grilled chicken, making it ideal for health-conscious eaters. A medley of fresh veggies—juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and tender baby spinach—combine with creamy crumbled feta and zesty red onion for vibrant bursts of flavor in every bite. The tangy homemade dressing, crafted with extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, and garlic, ties the ingredients together seamlessly, delivering a refreshing yet satisfying finish. With just 20 minutes of prep and a quick 10-minute cook time, this chilled pasta salad is perfect for a summer meal or meal prep, offering a nutritious option for lunch, dinner, or even a crowd-pleasing side dish. Why wait? Try this protein-packed masterpiece today and delight in its irresistible taste and healthful benefits!
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Recipe Information
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
Instructions
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve cold and enjoy your High Protein Refreshing Cold Pasta Salad as a nutritious meal or side dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1581 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 76.8 g | 98% | |
| Saturated Fat | 22.4 g | 112% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 212 mg | 71% | |
| Sodium | 2928 mg | 127% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 145.2 g | 53% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 29.4 g | 105% | |
| Total Sugars | 27.2 g | ||
| Protein | 89.4 g | 179% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 743 mg | 57% | |
| Iron | 11.6 mg | 64% | |
| Potassium | 2148 mg | 46% | |
*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.
