13 Best High Protein Pasta Salad Recipes

Pasta salads are a delicious and easy way to enjoy a satisfying meal packed with fresh ingredients and bold flavors.

Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a side dish for a barbecue, or a light dinner, these 13 high-protein pasta salad recipes offer a variety of options to keep you fueled and satisfied.

From classic combinations to unique twists, these recipes are loaded with protein-rich ingredients like chicken, beans, and cheese to support a healthy lifestyle. Try these flavorful pasta salads today!

1. Classic Chicken Pasta Salad

This Classic Chicken Pasta Salad is a protein-packed dish with juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and a creamy dressing, perfect for meal prep or a quick meal.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 2 cups cooked whole wheat pasta
2. 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
3. 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
4. 1/2 cup diced cucumber
5. 1/4 cup shredded carrots
6. 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
7. 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
8. 2 tbsp olive oil
9. 1 tbsp lemon juice
10. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, carrots, and cheese.
2. Whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat.
4. Serve immediately or chill before serving.

2. Tuna Pasta Salad

This Tuna Pasta Salad is a protein-rich and satisfying dish featuring tender pasta, flaky tuna, and a zesty lemon dressing.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 2 cups cooked whole wheat pasta
2. 1 can (5 oz) tuna, drained and flaked
3. 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
4. 1/2 cup diced celery
5. 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
6. 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
7. 2 tbsp olive oil
8. 1 tbsp lemon juice
9. 1 tsp Dijon mustard
10. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. In a bowl, combine pasta, tuna, cherry tomatoes, celery, and red onion.
2. Whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
4. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

3. Chickpea Pasta Salad

This Chickpea Pasta Salad is a plant-based protein powerhouse packed with colorful veggies and a tangy vinaigrette.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 2 cups cooked chickpea pasta
2. 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
3. 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (red, yellow, green)
4. 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
5. 1/4 cup diced cucumber
6. 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
7. 3 tbsp olive oil
8. 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
9. 1 tsp dried oregano
10. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Combine pasta, chickpeas, bell peppers, tomatoes, cucumber, and feta in a bowl.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Serve fresh and enjoy.

4. Greek Chicken Pasta Salad

This Greek Chicken Pasta Salad is a filling and flavorful meal featuring lean chicken, feta, and a lemon-herb dressing.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 2 cups cooked penne pasta
2. 1 cup grilled chicken, diced
3. 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
4. 1/2 cup diced cucumber
5. 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
6. 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
7. 3 tbsp olive oil
8. 2 tbsp lemon juice
9. 1 tsp dried oregano
10. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Combine pasta, chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and feta in a bowl.
2. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
4. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

5. Turkey and Spinach Pasta Salad

This Turkey and Spinach Pasta Salad is a nutritious and satisfying meal with lean turkey, fresh spinach, and a light dressing.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 2 cups cooked whole wheat pasta
2. 1 cup cooked turkey breast, diced
3. 1 cup baby spinach
4. 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
5. 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
6. 3 tbsp balsamic vinaigrette
7. 2 tbsp olive oil
8. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. In a bowl, combine pasta, turkey, spinach, tomatoes, and mozzarella.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinaigrette, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.

6. Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad

This Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad combines tender chicken, fresh basil, and a flavorful pesto dressing for a delicious protein-packed meal.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 2 cups cooked whole wheat pasta
2. 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
3. 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
4. 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
5. 1/4 cup chopped basil
6. 3 tbsp pesto sauce
7. 2 tbsp olive oil
8. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, cherry tomatoes, parmesan, and basil.
2. In a small bowl, mix pesto sauce and olive oil.
3. Pour the pesto mixture over the salad and toss well.
4. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

7. Black Bean and Corn Pasta Salad

This Black Bean and Corn Pasta Salad is a hearty, plant-based option loaded with protein and Southwestern flavors.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 2 cups cooked whole wheat pasta
2. 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
3. 1/2 cup corn kernels
4. 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
5. 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
6. 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
7. 3 tbsp olive oil
8. 2 tbsp lime juice
9. 1 tsp cumin
10. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Combine pasta, black beans, corn, bell pepper, cilantro, and cotija cheese in a bowl.
2. Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
4. Serve fresh and enjoy.

8. Egg and Spinach Pasta Salad

This Egg and Spinach Pasta Salad is a protein-rich option featuring hard-boiled eggs and fresh baby spinach.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 2 cups cooked penne pasta
2. 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
3. 2 cups baby spinach
4. 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
5. 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
6. 3 tbsp Greek yogurt
7. 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
8. 1 tbsp olive oil
9. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. In a bowl, combine pasta, eggs, spinach, tomatoes, and cheddar cheese.
2. Whisk together Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss well.
4. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

9. Shrimp and Avocado Pasta Salad

This Shrimp and Avocado Pasta Salad is a light yet protein-packed dish with creamy avocado and juicy shrimp.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 2 cups cooked whole wheat pasta
2. 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
3. 1 avocado, diced
4. 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
5. 1/4 cup chopped green onions
6. 3 tbsp olive oil
7. 2 tbsp lemon juice
8. 1 garlic clove, minced
9. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. In a bowl, combine pasta, shrimp, avocado, tomatoes, and green onions.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
4. Serve fresh and enjoy.

10. Turkey and Cranberry Pasta Salad

This Turkey and Cranberry Pasta Salad is a delightful mix of lean turkey, sweet cranberries, and crunchy almonds, perfect for a protein-rich meal.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 2 cups cooked whole wheat pasta
2. 1 cup cooked turkey breast, diced
3. 1/2 cup dried cranberries
4. 1/4 cup chopped almonds
5. 1/2 cup diced celery
6. 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
7. 3 tbsp Greek yogurt
8. 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
9. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. In a large bowl, combine pasta, turkey, cranberries, almonds, celery, and feta cheese.
2. Whisk together Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well.
4. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

11. Cottage Cheese and Veggie Pasta Salad

This Cottage Cheese and Veggie Pasta Salad offers a creamy, protein-packed meal with fresh, crunchy vegetables.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 2 cups cooked whole wheat pasta
2. 1/2 cup cottage cheese
3. 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
4. 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
5. 1/4 cup shredded carrots
6. 1/4 cup chopped parsley
7. 2 tbsp olive oil
8. 1 tbsp lemon juice
9. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. In a bowl, combine pasta, cottage cheese, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, carrots, and parsley.
2. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well.
4. Serve fresh or chilled.

12. Spicy Chicken Pasta Salad

This Spicy Chicken Pasta Salad brings a kick of heat with bold spices, tender chicken, and a creamy dressing.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 2 cups cooked whole wheat pasta
2. 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
3. 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
4. 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
5. 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
6. 3 tbsp Greek yogurt
7. 2 tbsp hot sauce
8. 1 tbsp lime juice
9. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, bell pepper, cilantro, and cheddar cheese.
2. Whisk together Greek yogurt, hot sauce, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well.
4. Serve chilled and enjoy the spicy kick.

13. Smoked Salmon Pasta Salad

This Smoked Salmon Pasta Salad is a light and flavorful dish packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 2 cups cooked whole wheat pasta
2. 1 cup smoked salmon, flaked
3. 1/2 cup diced cucumber
4. 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
5. 1/4 cup capers
6. 3 tbsp Greek yogurt
7. 2 tbsp lemon juice
8. 1 tbsp olive oil
9. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. In a bowl, combine pasta, smoked salmon, cucumber, red onion, and capers.
2. Whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
4. Serve chilled and enjoy the fresh flavors.