Description
A hearty and flavorful High Protein Pasta Salad Recipe packed with chickpeas, black beans, chicken, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for lunches, potlucks, and healthy meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound whole wheat penne pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken breast (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (or goat cheese for a different tang)
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. Cook the whole wheat penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and rinse under cold water. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- 2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables and chicken: chop red bell pepper, cucumber, and red onion. Finely chop parsley and dill. Shred chicken breast if not already done.
- 3. Add the rinsed and drained chickpeas and black beans to the bowl with the pasta. Add the shredded chicken, chopped red bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and dill.
- 4. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper.
- 5. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Gently toss until evenly coated.
- 6. Add the crumbled feta cheese and gently toss again to distribute.
- 7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- 8. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Best served cold or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixed
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 25g