High Protein Greek Pasta Salad (Printable)
Protein-rich Mediterranean pasta with chicken, feta, and fresh vegetables in a zesty yogurt dressing
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 7 ounces whole wheat penne or rotini pasta
→ Protein
02 - 10.5 ounces cooked chicken breast, diced (or 1 can chickpeas, drained, for vegetarian option)
03 - 7 ounces reduced-fat feta cheese, cubed
04 - 7 ounces plain nonfat Greek yogurt
→ Vegetables
05 - 1 large cucumber, diced
06 - 7 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
07 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
08 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
09 - 2.8 ounces pitted Kalamata olives, halved
→ Dressing
10 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
11 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
12 - 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
13 - 1 clove garlic, minced
14 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
15 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
16 - Optional: fresh dill or parsley, chopped
# Directions:
01 - Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
02 - In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken or chickpeas, feta cheese, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, and olives.
03 - In a separate small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until smooth.
04 - Pour dressing over salad and toss gently to combine. Garnish with chopped fresh dill or parsley if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate up to 2 days for flavors to meld.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- The protein punch keeps you satisfied for hours without that heavy pasta coma feeling
- You can prep everything ahead and it actually tastes better the next day
02 -
- Rinse your pasta thoroughly with cold water or the residual heat will make your Greek yogurt dressing separate into a weird watery mess
- Let the salad sit for at least 30 minutes before serving so the dressing can soak into the pasta and vegetables properly
03 -
- Salt your pasta water generously since this is the only chance you get to season the pasta itself
- Pat your cucumber and tomatoes dry after chopping so they dont water down your delicious dressing