Chicken Pasta Salad (High-Protein)

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Creamy, filling, and perfect for meal prep — this version keeps carbs balanced while pushing protein high, Abrar.

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🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–5)

Salad Base

• 300g high-protein pasta (or whole wheat pasta)

• 450g cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cup cucumber, diced

• ½ cup red bell pepper, diced

• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced

• ¼ cup shredded low-fat cheddar or feta

High-Protein Creamy Dressing

• ¾ cup nonfat Greek yogurt

• ¼ cup light mayonnaise (or more Greek yogurt for leaner version)

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

Optional protein boost:

• ½ cup blended cottage cheese (mix into dressing)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and cool.

2. In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, and vegetables.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients.

4. Toss dressing with salad until evenly coated.

5. Chill at least 30–60 minutes before serving for best flavor.

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📊 Nutrition (Per Serving – 4 servings, approx.)

• Calories: ~460

• Protein: 48–55g

• Carbs: 40g

• Fat: 12g

(Macros vary depending on pasta and mayo used.)

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💪 Push It to 60g+ Protein Per Serving

• Increase chicken to 600g

• Add cottage cheese to dressing

• Use pasta with 20g+ protein per serving

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🔥 Cutting / Lower-Calorie Version

• Reduce pasta to 200g

• Increase chicken and vegetables

• Use all Greek yogurt, no mayo

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🥄 Meal Prep Tip

Keeps 3–4 days refrigerated. Add a squeeze of lemon before serving to freshen it up.