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High-Protein Pesto Pasta Salad

High-Protein Pesto Pasta Salad

Not to be dramatic… but this is the kind of meal prep that actually makes you excited for lunch. Fresh, herby, protein-packed, and perfectly layered so nothing gets soggy. And yes… it lasts you 3 to 4 days 
 
Serves: 3 to 4 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

  • INGREDIENTS

    Pasta Salad:

    8 oz Barilla Protein Pasta
    1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
    ½ cup Mozzarella pearls
    3 to 4 handfuls Arugula
    ½ cup Chickpeas, drained and rinsed
    ¼ cup Olives
    ¼ cup Pickled onions

     

    Crispy Chicken:

    6 Chicken tenders, cut into bite sized pieces
    Salt

    Pepper

    Garlic powder

    Italian seasoning

    Paprika
    2 tsp Oil

     

    Pistachio Pesto Vinaigrette:

    or use store-bought

    1½ cups Fresh basil
    ⅓ cup Pistachios
    ¼ cup Olive oil
    ¼ cup Water
    ½ a Lemon's worth of juice
    ⅓ cup Grated parmesan
    1 to 2 Garlic cloves
    1 tbsp Champagne vinegar
    Salt

    lots of Pepper

  • INSTRUCTIONS

    Pistachio Pesto Vinaigrette:

    1. Blend Pistachio Pesto Vinaigrette Ingredients until smooth, creamy, and pourable

     

    Pesto Shortcut:

    Using store-bought pesto, loosen with a splash of water, lemon juice, and a little champagne vinegar

     

    Crispy Chicken:

    2. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces

    3. Coat chicken with seasoning and oil in a bowl

    4. Pan fry over medium high heat for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden and crispy

    5. Finish with lemon zest for extra flavor

     

    Assemble:

    This order matters so your salad stays fresh and doesn't get soggy

    6. Cook pasta al dente, drain, rinse quickly with cold water, and let cool slightly

    7. Add Pesto Vinaigrette to the bottom of each jar

    8. Layer in this order for best texture:

    chickpeas, tomatoes, pasta, chicken, mozzarella, pickled onions, olives, arugula

    9. Seal and refrigerate

    10. When ready to eat, shake it up and pour into a bowl

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