High Protein Pasta Salad (Easy Chicken, Salami & Feta Recipe)

This high protein pasta salad is loaded with protein pasta, juicy chicken thighs, salami, feta cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers, and Italian dressing. An easy meal prep recipe packed with over 35 grams of protein per serving!

Looking for a satisfying meal that’s fresh, flavorful, and packed with protein? This high protein pasta salad is exactly what you need. Made with protein pasta, tender chicken thighs, savory salami, creamy feta cheese, crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and zesty Italian dressing, this recipe comes together in under an hour and is perfect for meal prep, summer gatherings, or easy weekday lunches.

Unlike traditional pasta salads, this high protein pasta salad keeps you feeling full longer thanks to the combination of lean protein and protein-enriched pasta. Whether you’re trying to increase your daily protein intake or simply want a delicious pasta salad that everyone will love, this recipe deserves a spot in your weekly meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This High Protein Pasta Salad

There are so many reasons to make this high protein pasta salad.

• Packed with over 35 grams of protein per serving.
• Perfect for meal prep lunches.
• Ready in about 40 minutes.
• Fresh, colorful, and full of Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
• Great for picnics, BBQs, potlucks, and family dinners.
• Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or cheese.
• Delicious served cold, making it ideal during warm weather.

If you’ve been searching for the best high protein pasta salad, this recipe checks every box.

Prep Time, Cook Time & Servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 6

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta Salad

• 12 ounces protein pasta, I love the Brami Protein Pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 large cucumber, diced
• 4 ounces salami, chopped
• 6 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
• ½ cup Italian dressing (plus extra if needed)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

How to Make High Protein Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Cook the protein pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Season the chicken thighs with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 5–6 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before cutting it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large serving bowl combine:

• Cooked protein pasta
• Chicken
• Tomatoes
• Cucumbers
• Salami
• Feta cheese

Pour the Italian dressing over everything and gently toss until evenly coated.

Step 4: Chill

For the best flavor, refrigerate the high protein pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows all of the flavors to blend together beautifully.

Tips for the Best High Protein Pasta Salad

• Cook the pasta just until al dente so it doesn’t become mushy.
• Rinse the pasta with cold water to cool it quickly.
• Let the chicken cool slightly before adding it to the salad.
• Add extra Italian dressing before serving if the pasta absorbs some while chilling.
• Use fresh feta instead of pre-crumbled for the creamiest texture.
• Chop the vegetables into similar-sized pieces for the perfect bite every time.

Serving Ideas

This high protein pasta salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with almost any meal.

Serve it with:

• Homemade Bread Buns
• Grilled vegetables
• Corn on the cob
• Tropical Fruit Salad
• Watermelon slices
• Grilled shrimp
• Turkey Burgers
• Steak
• Baked Chicken
• BLT Sandwiches

It also makes a complete lunch all by itself thanks to the protein-packed ingredients.

Variations

One of the best things about this high protein pasta salad is how easy it is to customize.

Try adding:

• Bell peppers
• Red onion
• Kalamata olives
• Pepperoncini
• Avocado
• Spinach
• Chickpeas
• Mozzarella pearls
• Fresh basil

You can even swap the chicken thighs for grilled chicken breast, rotisserie chicken, or grilled turkey.

Storage

Store leftover high protein pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Before serving leftovers, stir everything together and add a splash of Italian dressing if needed to refresh the flavors.

This recipe is not recommended for freezing since the vegetables lose their crisp texture after thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best pasta for high protein pasta salad?

Protein pasta made from wheat protein, chickpeas, lentils, or peas works wonderfully. It provides significantly more protein than traditional pasta while maintaining a similar texture. I used the Brami Protein Pasta!

Can I use chicken breast instead?

Absolutely. Chicken breast is a leaner option, while chicken thighs stay extra juicy and flavorful.

What dressing works best?

Italian dressing pairs perfectly with the feta, tomatoes, and salami. You could also use Greek vinaigrette or homemade Italian dressing.

Can I leave out the salami?

Yes! The recipe is still packed with protein thanks to the chicken, feta, and protein pasta.

How much protein does this recipe have?

Depending on the brand of protein pasta you use, each serving contains approximately 35–42 grams of protein, making this a fantastic high protein pasta salad for meal prep or post-workout meals.

Final Thoughts

This high protein pasta salad is everything you could want in an easy homemade meal, fresh vegetables, tender chicken, savory salami, creamy feta, and perfectly cooked protein pasta tossed in a flavorful Italian dressing. It’s hearty enough to serve as a complete meal while still being light and refreshing.

Whether you’re meal prepping lunches, feeding a crowd at your next BBQ, or looking for a healthy dinner that doesn’t sacrifice flavor, this high protein pasta salad is a recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again. Keep a bowl in your refrigerator for quick lunches, easy dinners, or protein-packed snacks throughout the week.