High Protein Pasta Salad Recipe

If you’re hunting for a refreshing but filling meal, you’re going to love this High Protein Pasta Salad Recipe. It’s not just any pasta salad—it’s packed with wholesome ingredients like cooked chicken and cottage cheese that turn this dish into a powerhouse of protein. I absolutely love how this turns out because it’s perfect for meal prep, lunchboxes, or a casual dinner when you want something both tasty and satisfying.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this High Protein Pasta Salad Recipe is how the ingredients complement each other: tender pasta, juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and creamy cottage cheese all coated in a flavorful dressing. A quick tip—look for fresh veggies and good quality cooked chicken to boost the taste even more.

• Dry fusilli pasta: Its spiral shape traps the dressing and cottage cheese, which means every bite is full of flavor.
• Diced cooked chicken: Use leftover grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience and maximum taste.
• Diced bell peppers: Adds a sweet crunch and vibrant color. Red, yellow, or orange all work well.
• Quartered cucumbers: Provides a refreshing, cool bite that balances the salad nicely.
• Corn: Sweet kernels offer a delightful pop and complement the other vegetables.
• Halved cherry tomatoes: Juicy and slightly tangy, they add freshness.
• Halved black olives: I like the little salty bursts they bring, but you can skip if olives aren’t your thing.
• Cottage cheese: This is where the protein amps up—plus it gives a creamy texture without heaviness.
• Olive oil: For a smooth, rich base in the dressing.
• Red wine vinegar: Adds a pleasant tang to balance the oil.
• Dijon mustard: Gives a subtle kick and depth to the dressing.
• Dried basil, parsley, oregano: Classic Italian herbs that elevate the flavor.
• Garlic powder and onion powder: Great for seasoning without overpowering.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring everything together.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): If you like a bit of heat, they add a subtle but exciting touch.

Variations

While I keep this High Protein Pasta Salad Recipe pretty classic, I love swapping things out depending on what I have on hand—it’s such a forgiving recipe that really invites your creativity.

• Vegetarian Variation: I’ve made this without chicken by adding extra cottage cheese or replacing chicken with chickpeas for a plant-based protein boost.
• Seasonal Veggies: Sometimes I toss in steamed broccoli or roasted zucchini, which add wonderful texture and seasonal freshness.
• Spicy Kick: Adding a teaspoon of sriracha or extra red pepper flakes gives this salad a lively zing that my family goes crazy for.
• Greek Twist: Swap the dried herbs for fresh dill, and add some feta cheese instead of cottage cheese for a tangier flavor.

How to Make High Protein Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook Your Pasta to Al Dente Perfection

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and don’t forget to add a teaspoon of salt—it seasons the pasta from the inside out. Boil the fusilli for about 3 minutes less than the package suggests so it’s al dente. I discovered this trick when I first tried making pasta salad because softer pasta can get mushy when dressed and chilled. Once cooked, drain and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta completely.

Step 2: Prep the Fresh Veggies and Chicken

While the pasta cooks, dice the cooked chicken and chop the bell peppers, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and black olives. I like to do this on a large cutting board to keep everything organized, and it makes assembling faster. You’ll appreciate having all your ingredients ready when it’s time to mix.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Flavorful Dressing

In a small bowl, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried basil, parsley, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling bold. Whisk until smooth. I learned that making the dressing separately helps coat everything evenly without clumping the cottage cheese.

Step 4: Toss Everything Beautifully Together

In a large bowl—trust me, you’ll need a big one!—mix the cooled pasta, chicken, veggies, corn, and olives. Pour the cottage cheese and dressing over the ingredients, then gently toss until coated. I use a large spoon and a spatula to fold everything without breaking the pasta or mashing the cottage cheese. Once it’s all combined, chill if you have time; the flavors really blend together nicely when rested.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve this salad cold right from the fridge. My family goes crazy for it on hot days or as a healthy post-workout recovery meal. It’s satisfying, flavorful, and hits the spot every time!

How to Serve High Protein Pasta Salad Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of green and fresh aroma. A little extra cracked black pepper on top helps highlight the flavors without overpowering. Sometimes, I add a few shaved parmesan curls just to fancy it up a bit!

Side Dishes

This pasta salad pairs wonderfully with light sides such as grilled asparagus, garlic bread, or a simple green salad tossed in vinaigrette. When we have a barbecue, this salad is always my favorite side dish alongside grilled meats or veggie skewers.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I’ve served this High Protein Pasta Salad Recipe in hollowed-out bell peppers or even scooped into lettuce cups—it looks fantastic and adds a fun, colorful presentation that guests love. You can also portion it into mason jars for grab-and-go meals or picnic settings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and it keeps really well for 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it an even better meal the next day. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again to redistribute the dressing and cottage cheese.

Freezing

Because of the fresh veggies and cottage cheese, I don’t recommend freezing this pasta salad—you’ll lose the fresh texture, and the cottage cheese can separate. It tastes best fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

This pasta salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so I usually skip reheating. If you want to warm it up, just take out the portion you want and let it sit on the counter for 20 minutes but avoid microwaving as it changes the texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I used to struggle with finding easy, protein-rich meals that didn’t feel heavy or time-consuming, and this High Protein Pasta Salad Recipe quickly became my go-to. It’s vibrant, filling, and oh-so-simple to make. I really encourage you to try it out—whether for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or your next gathering, it’s sure to become a favorite in your rotation just like it did in mine.

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