High Protein Pasta Salad With Orzo & Chicken – Fresh, Filling & Family-Friendly

If you’re like me, always juggling busy evenings but still trying to get something healthy and satisfying on the table, you’re going to love this High Protein Pasta Salad With Orzo & Chicken. It’s quick to make, full of good-for-you ingredients, and everyone in my house actually eats it. That’s a win, right?

This salad has become a summer staple for us. It’s perfect for meal prepping, bringing to a potluck, or just keeping in the fridge for those days when you can’t think straight, let alone cook.

Why You’ll Love This High Protein Pasta Salad With Orzo & Chicken

This recipe checks all the boxes for a balanced meal:

• High protein from chickpea pasta, chicken, and edamame
• Bright, fresh flavors from lemon, herbs, and sweet peppers
• Family-friendly (even my picky eater asks for seconds)
• Perfect for leftovers—it tastes even better the next day
• Customizable for gluten-free, vegetarian, or dairy-free diets

Let’s dive into the ingredients and how to bring it all together.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salad

• 1 8-ounce package Banza rice pasta (or regular orzo)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced small (rotisserie works great)
• 1 cup frozen shelled edamame, thawed
• 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup diced yellow bell pepper
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• 5 large basil leaves, thinly sliced

For the Vinaigrette

• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 small garlic clove, grated
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp Monkfruit sweetener (or your favorite sweetener)
• 1/2 tsp Aleppo pepper (or black pepper)
• 1/2 tsp sea salt

How to Make High Protein Pasta Salad With Orzo & Chicken

1. Cook the Pasta

Cook your orzo or pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to keep it al dente so it holds up in the salad. Once it’s cooked, rinse with cold water and drain thoroughly.

2. Whisk the Vinaigrette

Grab a large bowl (the same one you’ll use to mix everything) and whisk together all the vinaigrette ingredients. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

3. Prep the Salad Add-Ins

While the pasta’s cooking, chop your veggies and chicken. Slice those scallions and basil, and measure out the edamame and sun-dried tomatoes.

4. Toss It All Together

Add the cooked pasta, chicken, edamame, bell peppers, scallions, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss until everything is well coated.

5. Chill and Serve

Taste and adjust the salt or lemon if needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld. Serve cold or at room temperature.

My Favorite Tips for a Better Orzo Chicken Salad

• Double the vinaigrette if you like a juicier, tangier salad
• Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds instant flavor
• Add feta or goat cheese if you’re not dairy-free—it’s delicious!
• Want it vegetarian? Skip the chicken and bump up the edamame or add chickpeas
• Chop everything small so you get a little bit of everything in each bite

Why This High Protein Pasta Salad Works for Everyone

This salad is one of those magical recipes that feels light but leaves you full and happy. It’s balanced, colorful, and easy to adapt for different preferences or dietary needs.

Whether you’re packing it for lunch, serving it as a BBQ side, or making it ahead for a busy week, it fits. It’s that versatile.

Creative Variations to Try

Here are a few ways I switch things up depending on my mood or what’s in the fridge:

• Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Salad – Add kalamata olives, feta, and cucumber
• High Protein Pasta Salad Vegetarian – Skip the meat and double the beans
• Asian Chicken Orzo Salad – Swap vinaigrette for sesame dressing and add shredded carrots
• Lemon Chicken Orzo Salad With Feta – Add lemon zest and crumble in some salty feta

FAQs About High Protein Pasta Salad With Orzo & Chicken

What is a high protein food to go with pasta?

Chicken, shrimp, beans, tofu, or lentils all boost protein in pasta dishes.

What makes a great pasta salad?

Texture, contrast, and flavor. You want crunch, creaminess, tang, and something hearty. This salad nails all of it.

How much protein is in chicken pasta salad?

Depending on your portions and ingredients, you can get anywhere from 20–30 grams of protein per serving.

Is there protein in orzo pasta?

Traditional orzo is low in protein, but Banza and other chickpea or lentil-based versions add 11–15 grams per serving.

What can I add to pasta for more protein without meat?

Try edamame, chickpeas, hemp seeds, lentil pasta, or even a spoonful of protein-rich hummus in your dressing.

Pair This With…

• Grilled veggies or corn on the cob
• A side of crusty bread or pita chips
• Chilled lemon or cucumber water

Want to mix it up more? Check out:

• Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Salad
• Easy Beef Empanadas Recipe
• Slow Cooker Carnitas Recipe

Let’s Stay Connected on Pinterest

Follow me for more protein-packed, quick-prep dinners and lunches you’ll actually want to eat:
👉 https://www.pinterest.com/Ritzyrecipes/

Final Thoughts

This High Protein Pasta Salad With Orzo & Chicken is one of those gems that’s healthy, colorful, and completely satisfying. It’s an easy win for lunchboxes, potlucks, or busy weeknights. Make it once and you’ll be hooked.

Let me know if you try it! Leave a comment, share it on Pinterest, or tag @RitzyRecipes. I love seeing what you all come up with!

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