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Easy High Protein Asian Pasta Salad Recipe for Quick Meal Prep Success

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A quick, wholesome, and filling Asian-inspired pasta salad featuring a tangy peanut-soy dressing, crunchy veggies, and a protein punch, perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces fusilli or rotini pasta
  • 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (or 1 cup shelled edamame for vegetarian option)
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup snap peas, trimmed and halved
  • ½ cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 2 green onions, finely sliced
  • 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Optional: ½ teaspoon sriracha or chili flakes
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of fusilli or rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 9-11 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool and stop cooking. Set aside to drain fully.
  2. While the pasta cooks, shred 1 cup of carrots, trim and halve 1 cup of snap peas, thinly slice ½ cup red bell pepper, and chop 2 green onions. Toss these into a large mixing bowl.
  3. Dice or shred 1 cup of cooked chicken breast or add 1 cup shelled edamame. Add to the bowl with the veggies.
  4. In a small bowl or jar, combine 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil, 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger, 1 minced garlic clove, and optional ½ teaspoon sriracha or chili flakes. Whisk or shake vigorously until smooth and creamy.
  5. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with veggies and protein. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
  6. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro and 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds on top. Toss lightly to distribute garnishes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors marry. Keeps well for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Notes

Warm peanut butter slightly if thick to blend smoothly. Rinse cooked pasta under cold water to prevent clumping. Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan for enhanced flavor. Dressing can be made ahead and stored in fridge. For gluten-free, use rice or legume-based pasta. For vegan, substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh and use maple syrup instead of honey.

Nutrition

Keywords: Asian pasta salad, high protein salad, meal prep salad, peanut soy dressing, quick dinner, healthy pasta salad, chicken pasta salad, vegetarian pasta salad

Find it online: https://bouncybowl.com/easy-high-protein-asian-pasta-salad-recipe-for-quick-meal-prep-success/