High Protein Greek Pasta Salad

Enjoy the flavors of a classic Greek salad with added protein! Chickpea pasta, loads of veggies, and a homemade greek yogurt and feta dressing create a deliciously filling pasta salad. With 21g protein and 7g fiber, it's the perfect meal prep lunch or BBQ side.

This High Protein Greek Pasta Salad has all the flavors and freshness of a classic Greek salad, yet it contains 21g protein and 7g fiber per serving. It's the perfect mix of high protein chickpea pasta, fresh vegetables, and a homemade feta dressing. It's creamy without being overly indulgent and high in calories. The whole recipe is made in 20 minutes then it chills in the fridge until you're ready to eat.

This healthy pasta salad recipe is filling enough to be a vegetarian main that's perfect for meal prep and packed lunches. It's also delicious as a side dish with Greek-style grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp. It would be a wonderful healthy salad to bring to a BBQ.

If you love Greek salad and pasta salad, you've got to try this recipe!

If you like this, you'll also like some other meal prep recipes like Italian Pasta Salad, Homemade Kofta Meatballs, Healthy Burger Bowls, Greek Chicken Meatballs, Mediterranean Bowls, Mexican Street Corn Salad, and Ricotta Egg Bites.

Ingredient Notes

Here is everything you'll need to make this high protein pasta salad recipe:

For the Dressing

• Plain fat free greek yogurt—adds protein and creaminess without a lot of calories. If you have higher fat Greek yogurt, that will work too.
• Feta cheese—get the type packed in brine.
• Olive oil
• Red wine vinegar or lemon juice
• Seasonings: dried oregano, dried dill, garlic powder, pepper—no salt needed since the feta is quite salty.

For the Pasta Salad

• Chickpea pasta—I like to use Chickapea or Banza brands. Any short pasta shape will work.
• Cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes
• Cucumber
• Green bell pepper or red bell pepper
• Red onion
• Kalamata olives—ensure they are pitted.
• Feta cheese

Other Ingredient Ideas
Add any vegetables you enjoy or have on hand. You can also omit any that you don't like. Ensure all veggies are fresh and not frozen, as they will go soggy. Here are more suggestions:

- Avocado cubes
- Chickpeas or white beans
- Additional protein: tofu, chicken, steak, pork, shrimp
- Falafels

Step-by-Step Instructions

Be sure to read the recipe card below for the full ingredient list and instructions.

Begin by washing and pre-chopping the vegetables.

Fill a medium-size pot with water and place on the stove over high heat. Once the water is boiling, add a generous pinch of salt, then add in the chickpea pasta. Reduce the heat slightly, then cook until al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than the package states. Stir often so the pasta doesn't stick.

(1) While the pasta cooks, blend together the dressing ingredients in a small food processor or blender. Set aside.

(2) Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process.

(3) Transfer the pasta to a large bowl. Add the chopped vegetables and additional feta cheese.

(4) Pour the dressing on top and gently mix everything together.

Cover the bowl and let the pasta salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Remove from the fridge just before you're ready to eat.

Serve as a high protein vegetarian lunch or with some grilled chicken. Enjoy! 

What to Eat With Greek Pasta Salad

This recipe is hearty enough to be a filling vegetarian meal. For more protein, you could add cubes of plant-based protein like tofu or falafel bites. You could also enjoy it with a piece of grilled meat on the side like rotisserie chicken, pork, steak, or shrimp. Serve among side salads at a summer BBQ or make ahead for meal prepped lunches.

Storage

This recipe is best enjoyed on the day it's made, but you can keep pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Toss gently before serving each time.

Expert Tips

Here are some of my top tips and tricks for successful pasta salad:

• Slightly undercook the pasta so it does not fall apart. Chickpea pasta is delicate.
• Rinse the pasta with cold water. This will immediately stop the cooking process to prevent overcooked pasta.
• Refrigerate for 1+ hours before serving. So the flavors can mingle.
• Add more protein with tofu cubes, falafel, grilled chicken, steak, etc.
• Serve as an appetizer, side, snack, or even lunch. This high protein pasta salad is great for a multitude of occasions. It will even keep you full for hours as the main course.
• It will keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days, so this recipe is perfect to prep for to-go lunches for work or school.

Frequently Asked Questions

This high-protein greek salad recipe is a delicious way to eat your veggies while getting lots of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. It is filling enough for lunch or meal prep, and it's perfect as an easy side dish to bring to a potluck or BBQ.

More Healthy Meals

Have you made this healthy greek pasta salad? I'd very much appreciate it if you leave a 5 star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and review below, and tag me on instagram @fromoliviaskitchen!