Grilled Chicken Chickpea Pasta Salad
High protein grilled chicken chickpea pasta salad made with chickpea pasta, fresh vegetables, and a light lemon oregano dressing. A balanced meal that works well for lunch, post workout recovery, or meal prep.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Course dinner, lunch, Meal Prep, Salad
Cuisine Healthy, High-Protein, Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 430 kcal
For the Pasta Salad
- 8 oz chickpea pasta (about 225 g)
- 1 lb chicken breast grilled and diced (about 450 g)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber diced
- 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese crumbled (optional)
For the Lemon Oregano Dressing
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tspdried oregano
- 1/2 tspgarlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Season the chicken breast with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Heat a grill pan or grill over medium heat. Grill the chicken for about 5 to 6 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes, then dice it into bite size pieces.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil on the stovetop. Add the chickpea pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 7 to 9 minutes for al dente texture. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse briefly under cold water to cool it down.
Slice the cherry tomatoes in half. Dice the cucumber into small cubes. Thinly slice the red onion. If you want milder onion flavor, soak the slices in cold water for about 5 minutes and drain.
In a small bowl or jar combine olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake until the dressing is smooth and combined.
Add the cooked chickpea pasta to a large mixing bowl. Add the diced grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Sprinkle feta cheese on top if using.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving so the flavors combine.
- You can store this pasta salad in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, which makes it a good option for meal prep.
- If preparing several days in advance, store the dressing separately and mix it in before serving to keep the vegetables crisp.
- Baby spinach, olives, or roasted peppers also work well as additions if you want to vary the flavor.
Keyword chickpea pasta salad, fitness meal prep, grilled chicken pasta salad, healthy chicken pasta salad, high protein pasta salad, meal prep pasta salad