Cold chicken pasta salads with 47 to 58 grams of protein per serving. They’re perfect for meal prep lunches, potlucks and summer dinners, and every title shows the protein per serving.

A good chicken pasta salad is one of the easiest high protein meals you can make. Cook the pasta, chop some chicken and veggies, toss it with a dressing, and lunch is ready for the next four days.

These 25 recipes use protein pasta, plenty of chicken and Greek yogurt or cottage cheese dressings, so every serving packs a lot more protein than a classic deli pasta salad.

Each one serves 4 and is served cold. The protein in every title is per serving and is worked out from the ingredients listed.

Looking for more high protein meals? You might also like 10+ High Protein Salad Ideas, 30 Easy Chicken Pasta Recipes and 20 Costco Rotisserie Chicken Meal Prep Ideas.

TIPS FOR THE BEST CHICKEN PASTA SALAD

• Cook the pasta just to al dente and rinse it in cold water so it stays firm in the fridge.
• Use short shapes like rotini, penne, farfalle or shells. They hold dressing better than long noodles.
• Season the chicken well. Bland chicken makes a bland pasta salad.
• Hold back some dressing. Pasta soaks it up overnight, so add a little more right before serving.
• Use good containers. Glass meal prep containers keep pasta salad fresh for 3 to 4 days.

25 HIGH PROTEIN CHICKEN PASTA SALADS

Every recipe serves 4. The protein in each title is per serving and is added up from the ingredients listed.

1. Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad (52g Protein)

Grilled chicken, crisp romaine and protein pasta in a creamy Caesar dressing made with Greek yogurt and parmesan.

It has all the flavor of a Caesar salad in a meal prep friendly bowl.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz protein rotini, cooked and cooled
• 3 cups diced cooked chicken breast
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp mayo, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp dijon and 1 garlic clove
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• 3 cups chopped romaine
• 1 cup croutons

Instructions:

1. Whisk the Greek yogurt, mayo, lemon, dijon, garlic and half the parmesan.
2. Toss with the pasta and chicken.
3. Add the romaine, croutons and remaining parmesan right before serving.

Serves: 4 | Protein: about 52g per serving | Keeps: 3 days (add romaine and croutons fresh)

2. Greek Chicken Pasta Salad (47g Protein)

Lemon oregano chicken with cucumber, tomatoes, olives, red onion and feta in a bright Greek dressing.

It tastes even better the next day after the dressing soaks in.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz protein rotini, cooked and cooled
• 3 cups diced cooked chicken breast
• 3/4 cup crumbled feta
• 1 cucumber, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1/2 red onion and 1/2 cup kalamata olives
• 1/4 cup olive oil, 3 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tsp oregano

Instructions:

1. Whisk the oil, vinegar, oregano, salt and pepper.
2. Toss with the pasta, chicken and vegetables.
3. Fold in the feta and chill 30 minutes.

Serves: 4 | Protein: about 47g per serving | Keeps: 3 to 4 days in the fridge

3. Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad (49g Protein)

Spicy buffalo chicken with celery, carrots and blue cheese in a creamy Greek yogurt ranch.

It’s a cold version of buffalo wings that’s perfect for game day or lunch.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz protein rotini, cooked and cooled
• 3 cups diced cooked chicken breast
• 1/3 cup buffalo sauce
• 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp ranch seasoning
• 2 celery stalks and 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/3 cup blue cheese crumbles

Instructions:

1. Toss the chicken with the buffalo sauce.
2. Stir the Greek yogurt and ranch seasoning together.
3. Toss everything with the pasta and top with blue cheese.

Serves: 4 | Protein: about 49g per serving | Keeps: 3 to 4 days in the fridge

4. Chicken Turkey Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad (57g Protein)

Chicken, crispy turkey bacon, cheddar and a creamy cottage cheese ranch dressing.

Blended cottage cheese makes the ranch thick and creamy with a lot more protein.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz protein rotini, cooked and cooled
• 3 cups diced cooked chicken breast
• 6 slices turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
• 1 cup cottage cheese, blended
• 1 packet ranch seasoning and 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar
• Green onions and cherry tomatoes

Instructions:

1. Blend the cottage cheese, ranch seasoning and milk until smooth.
2. Toss with the pasta, chicken, turkey bacon and cheddar.
3. Top with tomatoes and green onions.

Serves: 4 | Protein: about 57g per serving | Keeps: 3 to 4 days in the fridge

5. Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad (52g Protein)

Chicken, pasta, cherry tomatoes and mozzarella pearls tossed in basil pesto.

No mayo, so it’s great for picnics and holds up well outside.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz protein rotini, cooked and cooled
• 3 cups diced cooked chicken breast
• 1/2 cup basil pesto
• 4 oz mozzarella pearls
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes and 2 cups baby spinach
• 2 tbsp grated parmesan

Instructions:

1. Toss the pasta and chicken with the pesto.
2. Fold in the tomatoes, spinach and mozzarella.
3. Top with parmesan.

Serves: 4 | Protein: about 52g per serving | Keeps: 3 to 4 days in the fridge

6. BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad (55g Protein)

BBQ chicken, black beans, corn, cheddar and red onion in a creamy BBQ ranch dressing.

It’s a cookout favorite that works as a main dish.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz protein rotini, cooked and cooled
• 3 cups diced cooked chicken breast
• 1/3 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed
• 1 cup corn and 1/4 red onion
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar

Instructions:

1. Toss the chicken with half the BBQ sauce.
2. Mix the remaining BBQ sauce with the Greek yogurt.
3. Toss everything together and chill.

Serves: 4 | Protein: about 55g per serving | Keeps: 3 to 4 days in the fridge

7. Southwest Chicken Pasta Salad (56g Protein)

Chicken, black beans, corn, peppers and avocado in a chipotle lime Greek yogurt dressing.

Add a handful of crushed tortilla chips on top for crunch.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz protein rotini, cooked and cooled
• 3 cups diced cooked chicken breast
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed
• 1 cup corn, 1 bell pepper and 1 avocado
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt with 1 chipotle pepper and lime juice
• 1/2 cup shredded pepper jack

Instructions:

1. Blend the Greek yogurt, chipotle and lime juice.
2. Toss with the pasta, chicken, beans, corn and pepper.
3. Fold in avocado and cheese right before serving.

Serves: 4 | Protein: about 56g per serving | Keeps: 3 to 4 days in the fridge

8. Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad (55g Protein)

Chicken, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and basil with a balsamic glaze drizzle.

It’s simple, fresh and great for summer.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz protein rotini, cooked and cooled
• 3 cups diced cooked chicken breast
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes and fresh basil
• 3 tbsp olive oil and balsamic glaze

Instructions:

1. Toss the pasta, chicken, tomatoes and mozzarella with olive oil, salt and pepper.
2. Add torn basil.
3. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.

Serves: 4 | Protein: about 55g per serving | Keeps: 3 to 4 days in the fridge

9. Creamy Dill Chicken Pasta Salad (50g Protein)

Chicken, cucumber and peas in a creamy lemon dill dressing made with Greek yogurt.

It’s light, tangy and tastes like a picnic.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz protein rotini, cooked and cooled
• 3 cups diced cooked chicken breast
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, lemon juice and 1 tsp dijon
• 1 cup peas
• 1 cucumber and 1/4 red onion

Instructions:

1. Whisk the Greek yogurt, dill, lemon juice and dijon.
2. Toss with the pasta, chicken, peas, cucumber and onion.
3. Chill at least 30 minutes.

Serves: 4 | Protein: about 50g per serving | Keeps: 3 to 4 days in the fridge

10. Italian Chicken Pasta Salad (53g Protein)

Chicken, turkey pepperoni, mozzarella, peppers and olives in a zesty Italian dressing.

It’s the classic potluck pasta salad with a protein boost.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz protein rotini, cooked and cooled
• 3 cups diced cooked chicken breast
• 2 oz turkey pepperoni, quartered
• 4 oz mozzarella, cubed
• 1 bell pepper, 1/2 cup olives and 1/4 red onion
• 1/2 cup Italian dressing

Instructions:

1. Toss everything with the Italian dressing.
2. Chill at least 1 hour.
3. Add a splash more dressing before serving.

Serves: 4 | Protein: about 53g per serving | Keeps: 3 to 4 days in the fridge

11. Chicken Club Pasta Salad (54g Protein)

Chicken, turkey bacon, tomatoes, lettuce and cheddar in a creamy Greek yogurt dressing.

All the flavors of a club sandwich in a bowl.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz protein rotini, cooked and cooled
• 3 cups diced cooked chicken breast
• 6 slices turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt and 2 tbsp mayo
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes and 2 cups chopped romaine

Instructions:

1. Mix the Greek yogurt and mayo with salt, pepper and a splash of vinegar.
2. Toss with the pasta, chicken, turkey bacon and cheddar.
3. Add tomatoes and lettuce right before serving.

Serves: 4 | Protein: about 54g per serving | Keeps: 3 to 4 days in the fridge

12. Asian Sesame Chicken Pasta Salad (48g Protein)

Chicken, edamame, cabbage, carrots and green onions in a sesame ginger dressing.

Edamame adds extra protein and a nice crunch.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz protein rotini, cooked and cooled
• 3 cups diced cooked chicken breast
• 1 cup shelled edamame
• 2 cups shredded cabbage and 1 cup shredded carrots
• 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp sesame oil, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey and ginger
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Whisk the dressing ingredients.
2. Toss with the pasta, chicken, edamame and vegetables.
3. Top with sesame seeds and green onions.

Serves: 4 | Protein: about 48g per serving | Keeps: 3 to 4 days in the fridge

13. Cajun Chicken Pasta Salad (48g Protein)

Cajun-spiced grilled chicken with peppers, corn and a creamy Cajun Greek yogurt dressing.

It has a little kick and holds up well for lunches.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz protein rotini, cooked and cooled
• 1 1/4 lb chicken breast, Cajun-seasoned and grilled
• 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning and lemon juice
• 2 bell peppers, 1 cup corn and 2 green onions

Instructions:

1. Grill the chicken and dice it.
2. Mix the Greek yogurt with Cajun seasoning and lemon.
3. Toss everything together and chill.

Serves: 4 | Protein: about 48g per serving | Keeps: 3 to 4 days in the fridge

14. Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Salad (48g Protein)

Orzo, chicken, cucumber, tomatoes, chickpeas and feta in a lemon herb dressing.

Orzo makes it feel lighter than regular pasta salad.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dry orzo, cooked and cooled
• 3 cups diced cooked chicken breast
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed
• 3/4 cup crumbled feta
• 1 cucumber, 1 cup tomatoes and 1/4 red onion
• Lemon juice, olive oil, oregano and parsley

Instructions:

1. Whisk the lemon juice, olive oil, oregano and salt.
2. Toss with the orzo, chicken, chickpeas and vegetables.
3. Fold in feta and parsley.

Serves: 4 | Protein: about 48g per serving | Keeps: 3 to 4 days in the fridge

15. Chicken Cobb Pasta Salad (58g Protein)

Chicken, turkey bacon, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, tomatoes and blue cheese in a creamy dressing.

It’s a full Cobb salad with pasta for extra staying power.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz protein rotini, cooked and cooled
• 3 cups diced cooked chicken breast
• 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• 4 slices turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
• 1/3 cup blue cheese crumbles
• 1 avocado and 1 cup tomatoes
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt and red wine vinegar

Instructions:

1. Mix the Greek yogurt with vinegar, salt and pepper.
2. Toss with the pasta and chicken.
3. Arrange the eggs, turkey bacon, avocado, tomatoes and blue cheese on top.

Serves: 4 | Protein: about 58g per serving | Keeps: 3 days (add avocado fresh)

16. Honey Mustard Chicken Pasta Salad (50g Protein)

Chicken, celery, red onion and cheddar in a sweet and tangy honey mustard Greek yogurt dressing.

Kids love this one.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz protein rotini, cooked and cooled
• 3 cups diced cooked chicken breast
• 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp honey and 2 tbsp dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar
• 2 celery stalks and 1/4 red onion

Instructions:

1. Whisk the Greek yogurt, honey and mustard.
2. Toss with the pasta, chicken, celery, onion and cheddar.
3. Chill 30 minutes.

Serves: 4 | Protein: about 50g per serving | Keeps: 3 to 4 days in the fridge

17. Chipotle Chicken Pasta Salad (57g Protein)

Smoky chipotle chicken with corn, black beans and cilantro in a creamy chipotle dressing.

Adjust the heat with more or fewer chipotle peppers.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz protein rotini, cooked and cooled
• 3 cups diced cooked chicken breast
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt with 2 chipotle peppers and lime
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed
• 1 cup corn and cilantro
• 1/2 cup cotija

Instructions:

1. Blend the Greek yogurt, chipotles and lime juice.
2. Toss with everything else.
3. Top with cotija and cilantro.

Serves: 4 | Protein: about 57g per serving | Keeps: 3 to 4 days in the fridge

18. Cottage Cheese Chicken Pasta Salad (55g Protein)

Chicken and pasta in a dill pickle cottage cheese ranch dressing. Creamy, tangy and packed with protein.

Blending the cottage cheese makes it smooth like a regular ranch.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz protein rotini, cooked and cooled
• 3 cups diced cooked chicken breast
• 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese, blended
• 1/2 cup chopped dill pickles plus 2 tbsp pickle juice
• 1 tsp ranch seasoning and fresh dill
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar

Instructions:

1. Blend the cottage cheese, pickle juice and ranch seasoning.
2. Toss with the pasta, chicken, pickles and cheddar.
3. Top with fresh dill.

Serves: 4 | Protein: about 55g per serving | Keeps: 3 to 4 days in the fridge

19. Lemon Herb Chicken Tortellini Salad (51g Protein)

Cheese tortellini, chicken, spinach and sun-dried tomatoes in a lemon herb vinaigrette.

Tortellini makes it feel special enough for a party.

Ingredients:

• 1 package (20 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini, cooked and cooled
• 3 cups diced cooked chicken breast
• 2 cups baby spinach and 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan
• Lemon juice, olive oil, garlic and Italian herbs

Instructions:

1. Whisk the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic and herbs.
2. Toss with the tortellini, chicken, spinach and tomatoes.
3. Top with parmesan.

Serves: 4 | Protein: about 51g per serving | Keeps: 3 to 4 days in the fridge

20. Chicken Avocado Pasta Salad (52g Protein)

Chicken, avocado, corn and tomatoes in a creamy avocado lime dressing.

Eat it within 2 days so the avocado stays green.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz protein rotini, cooked and cooled
• 3 cups diced cooked chicken breast
• 2 avocados (1 blended into the dressing)
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt and lime juice
• 1 cup corn and 1 cup tomatoes
• 1/2 cup crumbled cotija

Instructions:

1. Blend 1 avocado with the Greek yogurt and lime juice.
2. Toss with the pasta, chicken, corn and tomatoes.
3. Fold in the second avocado and top with cotija.

Serves: 4 | Protein: about 52g per serving | Keeps: 2 days in the fridge

21. Jalapeno Popper Chicken Pasta Salad (52g Protein)

Chicken, turkey bacon, jalapenos and cheddar in a creamy cream cheese and Greek yogurt dressing.

All the flavor of jalapeno poppers in a cold pasta salad.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz protein rotini, cooked and cooled
• 3 cups diced cooked chicken breast
• 2 oz light cream cheese and 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 4 slices turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
• 2 jalapenos, diced
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar

Instructions:

1. Beat the cream cheese and Greek yogurt until smooth.
2. Toss with the pasta, chicken, jalapenos, turkey bacon and cheddar.
3. Chill and serve.

Serves: 4 | Protein: about 52g per serving | Keeps: 3 to 4 days in the fridge

22. Thai Peanut Chicken Pasta Salad (49g Protein)

Chicken, cabbage, carrots, peppers and cilantro in a creamy peanut lime dressing.

Top with chopped peanuts for crunch.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz protein rotini, cooked and cooled
• 3 cups diced cooked chicken breast
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 3 tbsp soy sauce, lime juice, honey and sriracha
• 2 cups shredded cabbage, 1 cup carrots, 1 red pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped peanuts

Instructions:

1. Whisk the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime, honey and sriracha with a splash of warm water.
2. Toss with everything.
3. Top with peanuts and cilantro.

Serves: 4 | Protein: about 49g per serving | Keeps: 3 to 4 days in the fridge

23. Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad (52g Protein)

Chicken, crunchy broccoli, cheddar and cranberries in a tangy Greek yogurt dressing.

A mix of a broccoli salad and a pasta salad.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz protein rotini, cooked and cooled
• 3 cups diced cooked chicken breast
• 3 cups small broccoli florets
• 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt and 1 tbsp vinegar
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries and 2 tbsp sunflower seeds

Instructions:

1. Mix the Greek yogurt, vinegar and a little honey.
2. Toss with the pasta, chicken, broccoli and cheddar.
3. Top with cranberries and sunflower seeds.

Serves: 4 | Protein: about 52g per serving | Keeps: 3 to 4 days in the fridge

24. Chicken Souvlaki Pasta Salad with Tzatziki (51g Protein)

Lemon garlic souvlaki chicken with cucumber, tomatoes and red onion, tossed in a thick tzatziki dressing.

It’s like a chicken souvlaki plate in pasta salad form.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz protein rotini, cooked and cooled
• 1 1/4 lb chicken breast, marinated in lemon, garlic and oregano and grilled
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt with grated cucumber and dill
• 1 cup tomatoes and 1/4 red onion
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta

Instructions:

1. Grill the chicken and cut it into bites.
2. Stir the Greek yogurt with grated cucumber, garlic, dill and lemon.
3. Toss everything together and top with feta.

Serves: 4 | Protein: about 51g per serving | Keeps: 3 to 4 days in the fridge

25. Hawaiian Chicken Pasta Salad (50g Protein)

Chicken, pineapple, red pepper and green onions in a creamy sweet and tangy dressing.

A fun summer pasta salad that pairs well with grilled food.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz protein rotini, cooked and cooled
• 3 cups diced cooked chicken breast
• 1 cup pineapple tidbits
• 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt and 2 tbsp mayo
• 1 tbsp pineapple juice and 1 tbsp vinegar
• 1 red pepper and 3 green onions
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella

Instructions:

1. Mix the Greek yogurt, mayo, pineapple juice and vinegar.
2. Toss with everything else.
3. Chill 30 minutes before serving.

Serves: 4 | Protein: about 50g per serving | Keeps: 3 to 4 days in the fridge

HIGH PROTEIN CHICKEN PASTA SALAD FAQ

How Long Does Chicken Pasta Salad Last In The Fridge?

3 to 4 days in an airtight container. Salads with avocado are best within 2 days.

How Do I Keep Pasta Salad From Getting Dry?

Save a little dressing and stir it in before eating, or add a splash of milk or lemon juice to creamy salads.

What Is The Best Pasta For A High Protein Pasta Salad?

Protein pasta or chickpea pasta. Short shapes like rotini and penne hold dressing best.

Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken?

Yes. One rotisserie chicken gives about 3 to 4 cups of meat, enough for one recipe.

If you only make one of these, start with the Chicken Turkey Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad. The cottage cheese ranch is so creamy nobody will guess it’s high protein, and it makes four lunches in about 20 minutes.

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