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Tasty High Protein Chicken Bacon-Free Pasta Salad

A delightful blend of flavors and textures, this high-protein pasta salad is perfect for family gatherings or light summer lunches, featuring tender chicken and crunchy vegetables.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Protein
  • 2 cups cooked pasta (choose your favorite type, like penne or rotini)
  • 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (grilled or roasted, your choice)
Vegetables
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup bell pepper, diced (any color works)
Dressing
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste Make sure to avoid any non-halal ingredients in your seasoning choices.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and let cool.
  2. While your pasta is cooking, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and bell pepper into bite-sized pieces. Also, shred your cooked chicken, if not already done.
Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Combining
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, shredded chicken, and chopped vegetables. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss until everything is well coated.
Serving
  1. For best results, let the salad chill in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes before serving. Enjoy your refreshingly tasty and protein-packed meal!

Notes

Feel free to swap the veggies for whatever you have on hand. If you plan to serve this at a family gathering, make the pasta a day ahead and assemble the salad just before serving to keep everything fresh. Make sure your pasta is completely cooled before mixing in other ingredients to prevent wilting and sogginess. If you have leftovers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This salad is just as tasty cold.