High Protein Pasta Salad (Easy And Creamy)

This High Protein Pasta Salad recipe is a simple and healthy way to boost your protein intake! Packed with delicious ingredients, it’s both filling and satisfying—perfect for meal prep, a light lunch, or as a side dish for your next BBQ.

We all know how hard it can be to find meals that are both nutritious and tasty. As a nutrition coach for several years, I've worked with many clients who struggled to find meals that are both nutritious and satisfying.

One of the biggest challenges they faced was feeling stuck in a routine of boring meals that didn’t quite meet their hunger or cravings. That’s where this High-Protein Pasta Salad recipe comes in. With its mix of hearty ingredients, and creamy homemade dressing, it will keep you full, it tastes great, and will give you the energy you need.

Whether you're looking for a crowd-pleasing side for a summer BBQ, a delicious dish to bring to a potluck or a simple and satisfying meal prep option for the week, this pasta salad checks all the boxes. It's not only easy to make but also holds up well, so you can prepare it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week.

If you are looking for more easy BBQ side dishes, check out my Elote Pasta Salad, Smashed Potato Salad, or Potato Salad With Spring Onions.

Ingredients

• Pasta: I prefer to keep this salad gluten-free by using Jovial's brown rice noodles, which work perfectly to create a hearty, satisfying texture. If you're not following a gluten-free diet, you can easily swap in traditional semolina pasta. Just be sure to choose a short-cut or medium-cut pasta for the best texture and ease of mixing in this dish.
• Bell Pepper, Red Onion & Cherry Tomatoes: The chopped veggies add a lot of freshness, flavor, and texture. 
• Diced Ham & Chicken Breast: The ham and chicken provide the majority of protein in his recipe. I like using leftover grilled chicken, or smoked whole chicken, but you could also use rotisserie chicken from the grocery store, or make a batch of my Dutch oven shredded chicken for this meal. Use your favorite precooked ham as well. 
• Feta Cheese: Feta cheese provides additional creaminess with a bit of tang! If you are not a fan of feta feel free to swap it out for goat cheese, fresh mozzarella or
• Chickpeas: Chickpeas (garbanzo beans) add extra texture and are rich in fiber. I love how well they hold their shape in this salad.
• Pepperonchinis: These tangy, slightly spicy peppers add a zesty kick to the pasta salad, giving it an extra layer of flavor and a touch of heat that balances out the creamy dressing.
• Mayonnaise & Greek Yogurt: I love the combination of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt as it creates a creamy, rich base for the dressing. The yogurt adds a slight tang and an extra post of protein.
• Parsley, Green Onions, Dill: Fresh herbs like parsley, green onions, and dill bring a burst of freshness and tons of flavor.  You could also add fresh basil if you like.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Vinegar brings a touch of acidity, which helps to brighten up the dish and tie all the flavors together. If you don't have apple cider vinegar you could use red wine vinegar.
• Dijon Mustard: I love the deep flavor that mustard brings to the dressing. You can use dijon or stone ground mustard.
• Sea Salt & Black Pepper: Simple but essential, sea salt and black pepper enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients. 

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Substitutions And Variations

• Even More Protein: You can use your favorite protein pasta for an extra protein boost. You can also add grilled shrimp or hard-boiled eggs.
• Fresh Veggies: Feel free to add your favorite chopped fresh vegetables like spinach or cucumber.
• Dressing Swap: If you want a tangy version you can make homemade Italian dressing, or dress the salad with fresh herbs, olive oil, and vinegar.

Expert Tips And Notes

• Reserve Some Dressing: I highly recommend reserving a quarter of the dressing and adding it on right before serving. The pasta soaks up a lot of the dressing, and adding a bit more before serving is best.
• Don’t Overcook Your Pasta: It's important to cook your pasta just until it's al dente, meaning it should still have a slight bite to it. If you overcook the pasta, it can become too soft and begin to fall apart, making the salad mushy.
• Serve Cold: This salad is meant to be served chilled, or at room temperature which enhances the flavors, so be sure to let it sit in the fridge before serving. 

Serving Suggestions For High Protein Pasta Salad

• Grilled Meats: This pasta salad makes a fantastic side dish to BBQ chicken kabobs, steak, or BBQ ribs. You could even serve it with smoked hot dogs, or smoked burgers for a well-rounded BBQ meal.
• Other BBQ Sides: It’s the perfect companion to classic BBQ sides like American coleslaw, Traeger baked beans, or smoked asparagus.
• Main Dish: This pasta salad also works well as a main course that can be paired with a side salad.