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High Protein Pasta Salad With Orzo & Chicken

High Protein Pasta Salad With Orzo & Chicken for Summer Fun

Discover the vibrant flavors of High Protein Pasta Salad With Orzo & Chicken, perfect for summer gatherings and meal prep.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 oz Banza Rice Pasta High-protein base
  • 2 cups Cooked Chicken (diced small) Roasted chicken thighs work well
  • 1 cup Frozen Shelled Edamame Add straight from freezer
  • 1 medium Diced Red Bell Pepper Can swap with yellow or orange
  • 1 medium Diced Yellow Bell Pepper Cucumbers can be used for extra crunch
  • 1/2 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes (chopped) Oil-packed for flavor
  • 4 stalks Scallions (thinly sliced) Green onions can be a substitute
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Basil Leaves (thinly sliced) Dried can be used but fresh is best
For the Vinaigrette
  • 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil For richness
  • 2 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar Provides acidity
  • 1 medium Lemon Juice To brighten the salad
  • 2 tsp Garlic (grated) For a robust flavor
  • 1 tsp Dijon Mustard Helps emulsify the dressing
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano Adds herby notes
  • 1 pinch Monkfruit or Sweetener Balances tang
  • 1 pinch Aleppo Pepper or Black Pepper For slight heat
  • 1 tsp Sea Salt Enhances overall flavor

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • mixing bowl
  • Spatula or Large Spoon

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Banza rice pasta in salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, grated garlic, Dijon mustard, oregano, monkfruit, Aleppo pepper, and sea salt. Whisk until well blended.
  3. Dice the red and yellow bell peppers, slice the scallions, and chop the frozen shelled edamame. Add these to the bowl with the vinaigrette.
  4. Fold in the cooled pasta, diced chicken, edamame, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil into the vinaigrette until well coated.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more sea salt or pepper as needed. Drizzle in more olive oil or lemon juice if dry.
  6. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving for optimal flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 8gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Best served chilled and can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

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