High-Protein Pesto Pasta Salad

Name: High-Protein Pesto Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 3 to 4 servings
Ingredients: 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; 6 Chicken tenders, cut into bite sized pieces; Salt; Pepper; Garlic powder; Italian seasoning; Paprika; 2 tsp Oil; 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

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

Total time: 30 min
Serves: 3 to 4 servings
Updated: August 14, 2026
Recipe by: Saba

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High-Protein Pesto Pasta Salad

Prep: 15 min
Cook: 15 min
Total: 30 min
Serves: 3 to 4 servings

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

Step 1Blend Pistachio Pesto Vinaigrette Ingredients until smooth, creamy, and pourable
Pesto ShortcutUsing store-bought pesto, loosen with a splash of water, lemon juice, and a little champagne vinegar

Crispy Chicken

Step 2Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces
Step 3Coat chicken with seasoning and oil in a bowl
Step 4Pan fry over medium high heat for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden and crispy
Step 5Finish with lemon zest for extra flavor

Assemble

NoteThis order matters so your salad stays fresh and doesn't get soggy
Step 6Cook pasta al dente, drain, rinse quickly with cold water, and let cool slightly
Step 7Add Pesto Vinaigrette to the bottom of each jar
Step 8Layer in this order for best texture: chickpeas, tomatoes, pasta, chicken, mozzarella, pickled onions, olives, arugula
Step 9Seal and refrigerate
Step 10When ready to eat, shake it up and pour into a bowl