If you’re the type who lives for a cold, creamy pasta salad but also needs your meals to actually keep you full — this one’s for you. I took the nostalgic macaroni salad we all grew up with and gave it a little protein-forward makeover. It still tastes like summer in a bowl, but with better macros and no blood sugar crash.
I bring this to BBQs, pool days, toddler playdates… and it always disappears fast. Bonus? It holds up so well in the fridge, so it’s also a perfect meal prep option for the week.
✨ What Makes This High Protein?
- Chickpea or lentil pasta – I used Banza elbows for that classic macaroni vibe with 20g+ protein per serving
- Greek yogurt – tangy, creamy, and packed with protein
- Avocado oil mayo – gives that nostalgic flavor, but you can totally leave it out and just use more Greek yogurt if that’s your vibe
- Optional add-ins – like cubed turkey or cheddar, if you want to take the protein even further
🛒 Ingredients:
- 8 oz chickpea or lentil elbow pasta (like Banza)
- 2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
- Optional: 1–2 tbsp avocado oil mayo (or just use more yogurt)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt + pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
- Optional: 1/4 cup cubed cheddar or turkey breast
- Optional garnish: fresh dill, cracked pepper
🥣 Instructions:
- Cook your pasta according to package instructions. Rinse with cold water and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, (mayo if using), mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add in all your chopped veggies, optional protein, and cooked pasta. Toss until fully coated.
- Chill in the fridge for 30+ minutes before serving for best flavor.
- Optional but highly recommended: top with cracked pepper or fresh dill before serving.
💡 Tips & Swaps:
- Skip the mayo and use all Greek yogurt if you prefer — still super creamy.
- Feel free to mix in chopped pickles or jalapeños for a tangy kick.
- No carrots here — but you can always add if you love extra crunch.
- Double the batch — this goes fast.
🛍️ My Go-To Products for This Recipe:
If you make it, tag me @kee_to_wellness — I LOVE seeing your recreations!
And if you’re looking for more high-protein summer meals, check out this week’s meal plan or browse my Amazon storefront for all my clean pantry staples.
