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Healthy High-Protein Chickpea Pasta Salad with Grilled Chicken

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A quick, healthy, and protein-packed chickpea pasta salad with grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and a zesty lemon dressing, perfect for easy meal prep and satisfying lunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) chickpea pasta (Banza brand recommended)
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 oz / 340 g)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for marinade and grilling)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin recommended for dressing)
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • Optional: 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken: In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken breasts. Let sit for at least 10 minutes or up to 30 minutes.
  2. Cook the chickpea pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add chickpea pasta and cook 7 to 9 minutes until al dente. Stir occasionally. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
  3. Grill the chicken: Heat grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Add olive oil if needed. Grill chicken 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
  4. Prepare the veggies: Halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, thinly slice red onion, and chop parsley. Place in a large mixing bowl.
  5. Make the dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
  6. Assemble the salad: Add cooled pasta and sliced chicken to the bowl with veggies. Pour dressing over and toss gently to combine. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Optional: Sprinkle crumbled feta and toasted nuts on top before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook chickpea pasta to avoid mushiness; rinse under cold water immediately after cooking. Rest chicken for 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy. Shake dressing ingredients in a jar for easy emulsification. Add extra lemon juice or olive oil if salad feels dry after chilling. For vegetarian option, substitute grilled chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh. Store salad in airtight container up to 3 days; add avocado or nuts fresh before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: chickpea pasta salad, grilled chicken salad, high protein salad, healthy meal prep, gluten-free pasta salad, easy dinner, quick salad recipe

Find it online: https://sweetstirring.com/healthy-high-protein-chickpea-pasta-salad-with-grilled-chicken-recipe-for-easy-meal-prep/