High Protein Greek Pasta Salad (Printable)
Protein-packed Mediterranean pasta bowl with chicken, feta, vegetables and zesty yogurt dressing
# What You 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 - 3 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)
# Steps:
01 - Prepare pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly, rinse under cold water to stop cooking process, and set aside in large bowl.
02 - Add cooked pasta, diced chicken, feta cheese cubes, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, and Kalamata olives to the bowl. Toss gently to distribute evenly.
03 - Whisk Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in separate small bowl until smooth and well combined.
04 - Pour dressing over pasta salad mixture. Fold gently with mixing spoon to coat all ingredients without breaking pasta or vegetables.
05 - Garnish with chopped fresh dill or parsley if using. Serve immediately or refrigerate in airtight container for up to 2 days to allow flavors to develop.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The Greek yogurt dressing creates this impossibly creamy tang without being heavy
- It tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a day
02 -
- Overcooked pasta turns mushy in the fridge so aim for al dente and do not skip the cold water rinse
- The dressing thickens as it sits so you might need to splash in a teaspoon of water before serving leftovers
03 -
- Cut your vegetables slightly larger than you think you need because they shrink when tossed with dressing
- Save a handful of feta to sprinkle on top right before serving so it stays white and pretty