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Healthy High-Protein BBQ Pasta Salad Meal Prep

Healthy High-Protein BBQ Pasta Salad - featured image
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A quick and easy high-protein BBQ pasta salad perfect for meal prep, combining smoky BBQ dressing with lean grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and whole wheat or chickpea pasta for a nutritious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz whole wheat or chickpea pasta
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded grilled chicken breast
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup diced cucumber
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
  • 1/3 cup BBQ sauce (low-sugar brand recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
  • Optional: 1/2 avocado, diced
  • Optional: 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz of whole wheat or chickpea pasta and cook according to package instructions (8–10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside to drain thoroughly.
  2. While the pasta cooks, shred 2 cups of cooked grilled chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Chop 1 cup cherry tomatoes in halves, dice 1 cup cucumber, 1/2 cup red bell pepper, and finely dice 1/4 cup red onion. Rinse and drain 1/2 cup black beans. Chop fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup BBQ sauce, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste until smooth and tangy.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, shredded chicken, chopped veggies, black beans, and herbs. Pour the BBQ dressing over the top and gently toss until well coated.
  5. If using, fold in 1/4 cup shredded cheese, diced avocado, or minced jalapeño.
  6. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Portion into airtight containers for meal prep and keep refrigerated for up to 4 days.

Notes

Rinse pasta with cold water after cooking to prevent sticking and mushiness. Use leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken to save time. Whisk dressing thoroughly for a creamy consistency. Chill salad before serving to enhance flavors. Adjust salt carefully as BBQ sauce can be salty. Add extra BBQ sauce or olive oil to refresh leftovers. This salad tastes better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ pasta salad, high protein, meal prep, healthy lunch, grilled chicken, whole wheat pasta, weight loss recipe, easy dinner

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/healthy-high-protein-bbq-pasta-salad-meal-prep-easy-recipe-for-weight-loss/