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High Protein Chicken Feta Cucumber Pasta Salad - Fresh, Filling, and Easy

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Pasta: 12 ounces short pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle)
  • Chicken: 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded (about 2 medium breasts)
  • Feta: 4–6 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
  • Cucumber: 1 large English cucumber, diced (or 2 Persian cucumbers)
  • Tomatoes: 1.5 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • Red onion: 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced (about 1/3 cup)
  • Kalamata olives (optional): 1/2 cup pitted, halved
  • Fresh herbs: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, plus 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill or mint
  • Extra-virgin olive oil: 1/3 cup
  • Lemon juice: 3 tablespoons fresh
  • Red wine vinegar: 1 tablespoon
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, finely minced or grated
  • Dijon mustard: 1 teaspoon
  • Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon
  • Honey or maple syrup: 1/2 teaspoon (balances acidity)
  • Salt and black pepper: to taste
  • 1 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained (extra protein and fiber)
  • 1/2 cup diced red or yellow bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds
  • Zest of 1 lemon for extra brightness

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta to al dente per package directions. Drain and rinse briefly under cool water to stop cooking. Shake off excess water well.
  2. Whisk the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, Dijon, oregano, honey, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  3. Prep the mix-ins: Dice cucumber, halve tomatoes, slice red onion, chop herbs, and crumble feta. If using olives, halve them.