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+ servings
Summer Pasta Salad

High Protein Creamy Basil Pesto Pasta Salad

Jacklin Altman
This high-protein summer pasta salad features protein noodles, chicken, sweet corn, and tomatoes tossed in a vibrant, lighter pesto dressing made right in the blender.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 14 cups
Calories 262 kcal

Equipment

  • Blender
  • Mixing Bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 6 cups protein pasta cooked and cooled
  • 3 cups chicken cooked and shredded
  • 4 ears corn cooked and kernels removed from cob
  • 1/2 red onion finely diced
  • 2 cups tomatoes chopped
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese pearls
Creamy Basil Pesto Dressing
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 packed cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tbsp honey

Instructions
 

  • Cook your protein pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the cooked pasta and immediately rinse it thoroughly under cold running water until the noodles are completely cooled, then set aside.
  • Prepare your fresh produce by dicing the red onion, chopping the tomatoes, and slicing the cooked corn kernels carefully off the cob.
  • Add the plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, fresh basil leaves, grated parmesan cheese, extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic cloves, kosher salt, black pepper, and honey into a high-speed blender. Blend the ingredients on high for about one minute until the herbs are completely broken down and the dressing is vibrant green and perfectly smooth.
  • In your largest mixing or serving bowl, combine the cooled protein pasta, shredded chicken, corn kernels, diced red onion, chopped tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella pearls. Pour the creamy basil pesto dressing from the blender directly over the pasta salad base components.
  • Use a large spoon or salad tongs to gently stir and toss everything together until the pasta, cheese, and vegetables are fully integrated and evenly coated in the herb dressing. Serve immediately or cover the bowl tightly and store it in the refrigerator to chill before serving later.

Nutrition

Calories: 262kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 20gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 241mgPotassium: 317mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 318IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 87mgIron: 1mg
Keyword basil, high protein, meal prep, pasta, pasta salad
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