High-Protein Chicken & Veggie Pasta Salad

Meal Prep Lunch for 2 All Week!

Fresh, Filling & Perfect All-Week Lunch Prep 🍗🥕🍝This High-Protein Chicken & Veggie Pasta Salad is your new lunch prep bestie. It’s bright, hearty, and packed with protein and fiber to keep you full and energized—no sad desk lunches here. We’re talking juicy chicken breast, crisp veggies, tender pasta, tangy feta, and a homemade zesty Italian dressing that brings it all together.

It makes enough for two people to have lunch all week, and with a triple batch of dressing, it stays flavorful and fresh—even by Friday. Honestly, once you try this, you’ll want it every week.

Why You’ll Love This Pasta Salad

✔ High-Protein – Thanks to four full chicken breasts✔ Packed with Veggies – Bell pepper, carrots, zucchini, celery & more✔ Big-Batch Friendly – Meal prep for two for the entire week✔ Homemade Dressing – Fresh, zesty, and takes 2 minutes✔ No Reheating Needed – Tastes best cold!

The Recipe: High-Protein Chicken & Veggie Pasta Salad

Ingredients (Makes 8–10 servings):

• 4 cooked chicken breasts, cubed or shredded

• 12 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or bowties work great)

• 1 bell pepper, chopped

• 1 cup roasted red peppers, sliced

• 4 celery stalks, chopped

• 1 ½ cups shredded carrots

• 1 medium zucchini, diced

• 1 cup of chopped kalamata olives

• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese

• Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste

• About 2 ¼ cups homemade zesty Italian dressing (see below)

Homemade Zesty Italian Dressing (Triple Batch)

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups olive oil

• ¾ cup red wine vinegar

• 3 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 tsp dried oregano

• 1 ½ tsp dried basil

• 1 ½ tsp onion powder

• ¾ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp honey (optional, to balance)

Instructions:Whisk all ingredients together in a large bowl or shake in a mason jar until fully combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.📌 Why buy dressing when this takes less than 2 minutes and tastes 100x better?

Pasta Salad Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken, and all chopped veggies.

3. Add crumbled feta and pour in the dressing. Toss everything together until well coated.

4. Season with additional salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste.

5. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

📦 Storage Tip: Keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days. Give it a stir before serving each day.

Make It Your Own

🌿 Use rotisserie chicken to save time🫘 Go meatless with chickpeas or cannellini beans🧅 Add red onion or pepperoncini for extra zip🍋 Top with fresh parsley, lemon zest, or chili flakes if you’re feeling fancy

Why This Salad Saves My WeekIt’s just the right mix of fresh and filling. The feta gives it a tangy bite, the chicken keeps you satisfied, and the triple batch of homemade dressing makes sure it never dries out. It’s one of those recipes that’s easy to throw together but feels like you really have your life together.

If you try it, tag me @Weeknight_Homemaker—I’d love to see your lunch lineup!

Here’s to bright, delicious lunches all week long 💛

Lauren