High Protein Greek Pasta Salad (Printable)
Protein-packed Mediterranean pasta with chicken, feta, crisp vegetables, and tangy 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
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 - Fresh dill or parsley, chopped (optional)
# How-to Steps:
01 - Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold running water to stop cooking process. Set aside in large mixing bowl.
02 - Add diced chicken, cubed feta cheese, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, diced bell pepper, and halved olives to the cooled pasta. Toss gently to distribute evenly.
03 - Whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in small bowl until completely smooth and emulsified.
04 - Pour dressing over pasta salad mixture. Fold carefully to coat all ingredients without breaking pasta pieces. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs if using. Serve immediately or refrigerate covered for up to 48 hours to allow flavors to develop.
# Expert Pointers:
01 -
- Each serving packs 32 grams of protein but tastes like something from a seaside taverna
- The yogurt dressing keeps everything creamy without mayonnaises heavy aftertaste
02 -
- The pasta must be completely cooled before adding the yogurt dressing or it will curdle and separate
- This salad tastes better after sitting for at least an hour, letting the flavors penetrate the pasta
03 -
- Reserve a handful of feta to scatter on top just before serving
- If making ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss right before eating