Go Back

High Protein Greek Ranch Pasta Salad - Fresh, Filling, and Ready for Meal Prep

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces high-protein or whole-wheat short pasta (like rotini, penne, or chickpea pasta)
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or 5% for extra creaminess)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (plus more to taste)
  • 1–2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 clove garlic, finely grated or minced
  • 1–2 tablespoons water or milk (to loosen the dressing, as needed)
  • 1 cup English cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup bell pepper, diced (any color)
  • 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
  • 1 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (plus extra for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill or parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional protein boosters: 1–2 cups grilled chicken, shrimp, or baked tofu, cubed

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until just al dente, according to package directions. Drain and rinse briefly under cool water to stop the cooking. Shake off excess water.
  2. Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, ranch seasoning, oregano, and garlic. Add 1–2 tablespoons of water or milk to thin to a pourable consistency. Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or extra lemon.
  3. Prep the veggies: While the pasta cools, chop the cucumber, tomatoes, onion, and bell pepper. Halve the olives and rinse the chickpeas.
  4. Toss it all together: Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing. Fold in cucumber, tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, olives, and chickpeas. Add feta and herbs. Toss gently until everything is coated.
  5. Adjust and chill: Taste and season with more salt, pepper, lemon, or ranch seasoning. For best flavor, cover and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  6. Serve: Top with extra feta and herbs. If adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu, fold it in just before serving or portion it on top for easy macros.