This High Protein Pasta Salad is a perfect way to boost your protein intake – it’s quick, easy, and delicious! It’s packed with so much flavor, but it’s made with just a handful of ingredients and it’s ready in under 20 minutes!
Are you looking for a delicious, high-protein meal that’s quick and easy to prepare? Look no further! This Avocado and Chicken Pasta Salad is here to save your day. Ready in just 20 minutes, this versatile dish is perfect for meal prep, making it a fantastic option for busy weekdays. Whether you enjoy it cold as a refreshing pasta salad or hot for a comforting meal, it’s packed with flavor and nutrients to keep you satisfied.
Thanks to the chickpea pasta and cooked chicken, this dish is a protein-packed meal that will keep you full and energized throughout the day. Perfect for those who are mindful of their protein intake!
This recipe is ideal for meal prepping. Make a big batch and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s just as delicious cold as it is warm, making it a great option for lunch or dinner.
This HIgh Protein Pasta Salad is ready in just 20 minutes, so it’s perfect for those hectic days when you need a nutritious meal but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
The creamy avocado sauce, combined with the tangy lemon and fresh basil, creates a burst of flavor in every bite. The cherry tomatoes add a touch of sweetness and freshness that perfectly complements the dish.
With this Avocado and Chicken Pasta Salad, you have a nutritious, high-protein meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Give it a try, and make your meal prep routine a breeze while enjoying a tasty, satisfying dish!
Why you’ll love this High Protein Pasta Salad:
- It’s made with just a handful of ingredients.
- It’s ready in under 20 minutes.
- It’s a great meal-prep lunch or dinner.
- It’s delicious cold, as a pasta salad, and it’s also great hot.
- It’s High in protein – 30g per serving!
- It can be made gluten-free and dairy-free too.
- It’s just really delicious – the flavors work SO well together.
- It’s good for your soul and your body!
What makes this a High Protein Pasta Salad?
One of the standout features of this Avocado and Chicken Pasta Salad is its impressive protein content. Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, maintaining a healthy immune system, and keeping you full and satisfied. Here’s what makes this recipe a protein powerhouse:
Chickpea Pasta: Unlike traditional pasta, chickpea pasta is made from chickpea flour, which significantly boosts its protein content. Chickpeas are legumes that are naturally high in protein and fiber, making them an excellent base for our pasta salad. A typical serving of chickpea pasta can provide up to 14 grams of protein, nearly double that of regular pasta.
Cooked Chicken: Chicken breast is a lean source of protein that’s both versatile and flavorful. It’s perfect for this salad, providing a substantial protein boost without adding excessive fat. With approximately 25 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving, chicken helps ensure this dish meets your daily protein needs effectively.
Greek Yogurt: Incorporating Greek yogurt into the avocado sauce not only adds a creamy texture and tangy flavor but also contributes additional protein. Greek yogurt is known for its high protein content, with about 10 grams of protein per 100 grams. This dairy component enhances the overall protein profile of the salad, making it even more nutritious.
Combining chickpea pasta, chicken, and Greek yogurt, this salad offers a balanced mix of proteins that are both plant-based and animal-based. This combination ensures a diverse range of amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein, contributing to a complete and satisfying meal.
Incorporating high-protein foods into your diet doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. This Avocado and Chicken Pasta Salad is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that ensures you get the protein your body needs in a convenient, flavorful way.
Ingredients Needed:
These are the ingredients you’ll need to make this High Protein Pasta. You can find the exact measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of this page.
- Pasta – When I need an extra dose of protein I love using high-protein pasta like Chickpea, Pea, or Lentil Pasta. You can use regular pasta or wholewheat pasta if you prefer.
- Cooked Chicken Breast – Chicken Breast is high in protein and lower in fat than chicken thighs, but you can use whichever you prefer. You can use pre-cooked chicken for ease and efficiency, or you can cook your chicken in a pan, in the oven, or even in the air fryer. You can also choose to either dice into pieces or shred the chicken – I prefer shredded chicken in this high-protein pasta salad.
- Tomatoes – For an extra dose of health and micronutrients as well as flavor and freshness, I like adding cherry tomatoes. They pair really well with the avocado sauce and I feel like they’re essential in this pasta salad. You can skip them, if you prefer, or add in any other vegetables of your choice like baby marrow, mushrooms, cucumber, spinach, or anything you have in your fridge.
- Basil – The basil adds a delicious flavor to the sauce that is reminiscent of pesto. It adds a freshness that seriously takes this avocado and chicken pasta to the next level.
- Avocado – This is the base of the creamy avocado dressing. Avocados are a great source of healthy fats and it’s just really delicious, right?
- Greek Yogurt – To make the sauce even creamier and higher in protein, I like to add Greek Yogurt. You can use dairy-free yogurt if you need this pasta salad to be dairy-free.
- Lemon – The lemon juice adds even more freshness and delicious flavor to the avocado sauce.
How to make high protein pasta salad
This avocado and chicken pasta salad is really super easy to make! Here is a detailed summary of how to make this avocado chicken pasta. I’ve also included some photos, and you can watch the recipe video in the recipe card.
Step One:
If you don’t have cooked chicken already, start there. You can pan fry your chicken breasts till cooked through, bake it in the oven or cook it in the airfryer. Once cooked, either cut into small pieces or shred the chicken using two forks.
Step Two:
Cook your pasta according to the packaging instructions. Once cooked, set aside a cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest of the water from the pasta and place the pasta in a large bowl.
Step Three:
Make the avocado dressing by adding your avocadoes, yogurt, lemon juice, half your basil, salt and half a cup of pasta water to a blender. Blend until smooth. You can add more pasta water as needed.
Step Four:
Slice your tomatoes in half and roughly chop the basil.
Step Five:
Add the tomatoes, basil, cooked chicken and avocado sauce to the pasta and mix well till everything is coated.
How to make warm avocado and chicken pasta
While this Avocado and Chicken Pasta Salad is delicious as a cold dish, it’s also incredibly satisfying when served warm. Here’s how you can enjoy this high-protein meal hot.
First, follow the initial steps to cook the chicken and pasta, and make the avocado dressing as outlined in the cold pasta salad recipe.
Once the chicken is cooked, lower the heat and add the avocado sauce to the pan. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly with the creamy sauce. The heat will make the sauce even more velvety and comforting. Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pan, stirring gently to mix. The tomatoes will warm up slightly, enhancing their sweetness while retaining a bit of their fresh texture.
Next, add the drained pasta to the pan and mix well to coat. Add pasta water as needed to make a velvety sauce.
Lastly, add in your basil and enjoy your avocado chicken pasta.
Tips and Notes for the best avocado chicken pasta salad
Here are some additional tips and notes to help you get the most out of your Avocado and Chicken Pasta Salad:
- Use Ripe Avocados: For the best creamy texture in the avocado sauce, make sure to use ripe avocados. They should give slightly when gently pressed.
- Pasta Water Trick: Reserve some pasta water before draining. This starchy water helps to thin the avocado sauce if it becomes too thick and helps it adhere better to the pasta.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand. Bell peppers, cucumbers, spinach, or zucchini are great additions.
- Make It Dairy-Free: If you need a dairy-free version, simply substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt or a soy-based yogurt.
- Consistency: The avocado sauce may thicken when refrigerated. If it’s too thick when serving, add a splash of water or lemon juice to loosen it up.
By keeping these tips and notes in mind, you’ll be able to create a delicious and nutritious Avocado and Chicken Pasta Salad that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
How to store High Protein Pasta Salad
To ensure your Avocado and Chicken Pasta Salad stays fresh and delicious, follow these storage instructions:
Refrigeration: Allow the pasta salad to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation inside the storage container, which can affect the texture and flavor. Transfer the pasta salad into an airtight container. If you don’t have a large enough container, you can divide the salad into smaller portions and store them in separate containers. Place the airtight container in the refrigerator. The pasta salad will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
Freezing: If you wish to freeze the pasta salad, portion it into individual servings for easier thawing and reheating. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. The pasta salad can be frozen for up to 2 months. However, note that the texture of the avocado sauce might change slightly after freezing.
Thawing: To thaw the frozen pasta salad, transfer the container from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight.
Reheating: If you prefer to enjoy the pasta salad warm, you can reheat it. Transfer the thawed pasta salad to a pan and heat it gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can add a splash of water or broth if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
By following these storage instructions, you can enjoy your Avocado and Chicken Pasta Salad at its best, whether you prefer it cold or warm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While chickpea pasta adds extra protein, you can substitute it with any pasta of your choice, such as whole wheat, lentil, or regular pasta. Just keep in mind that the protein content will vary.
Can I make this pasta salad dairy-free?
Yes, you can make this pasta salad dairy-free by substituting the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative, such as coconut yogurt or soy-based yogurt.
Can I eat this pasta salad warm?
Yes, this pasta salad can be enjoyed warm. Reheat the pasta and chicken in a pan over medium heat, then add the avocado sauce and mix well. You can add a splash of water or broth if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
What other vegetables can I add to this pasta salad?
Feel free to customize this pasta salad with your favorite vegetables. Bell peppers, cucumbers, spinach, zucchini, and mushrooms are all great options to add more variety and nutrients.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, using pre-cooked chicken is a great time-saver. You can use rotisserie chicken, leftover cooked chicken, or even canned chicken for this recipe.
How can I make the avocado sauce creamier?
If you prefer a creamier avocado sauce, you can add more Greek yogurt or a splash of milk.
What can I do if the avocado sauce becomes too thick?
If the avocado sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out by adding a bit of the reserved pasta water, lemon juice, or even a small amount of olive oil.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free pasta, such as chickpea, lentil, or rice pasta. Always check the labels to ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
more easy meal-prep recipes
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Hey! If you make this recipe, I would love it if you could leave me some feedback and a rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ in the comment section at the bottom of the page! Also, let me know on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts and see your photos!
High Protein Pasta Salad
Equipment
- Large Pot (for cooking pasta)
- Blender or Food Processor (for blending sauce)
Ingredients
- 300 g Cooked Chicken Breast (2 chicken breasts)
- 200 g Uncooked Pasta (8oz)
- 2 Avocados
- 250 g Greek Yogurt (1 cup)
- 1 Lemon
- Salt and Pepper
- 30 g Basil (¼ cup)
- 200 g Cherry Tomatoes (1 cup)
Instructions
- If not using pre-cooked chicken, cook the chicken breasts by pan-frying, baking, or using an air fryer until cooked through. Dice or shred the chicken once cooked.
- Cook the chickpea pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain the remaining water and place the pasta in a large bowl.
- In a blender, combine the avocados, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, half of the basil leaves, salt, and 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Blend until smooth. Add more pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Add the diced or shredded chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, and remaining chopped basil to the bowl with the pasta. Pour the avocado sauce over the mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Serve immediately for a warm dish or chill in the refrigerator for a cold pasta salad. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
-
- Use Ripe Avocados: For the best creamy texture in the avocado sauce, make sure to use ripe avocados. They should give slightly when gently pressed.
-
- Pasta Water Trick: Reserve some pasta water before draining. This starchy water helps to thin the avocado sauce if it becomes too thick and helps it adhere better to the pasta.
-
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand. Bell peppers, cucumbers, spinach, or zucchini are great additions.
-
- Make It Dairy-Free: If you need a dairy-free version, simply substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt or a soy-based yogurt.
- Consistency: The avocado sauce may thicken when refrigerated. If it’s too thick when serving, add a splash of water or lemon juice to loosen it up.
Nutrition
Leave a comment below if you made this High Protein Pasta Salad!