High Protein Gluten Free Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad!
Protein protein all things protein! If you are one of the many people working to get enough in your diet you know how tricky it can become to maintain. At first its pretty easy if you lean into all the quick and easy options like store bought protein shakes, protein bars or chomps! Then.. If you are like me all the sudden the idea of one more protein shake sounded horrendous.
Its in that moment that things get hard & I just want to fall back into old patterns and eat whatever! What I’m learning about myseld if that IF I take some time to dig around on Pinterest for ideas and I create some new recipes that I love- it gets me right back on track. When things get boring its time for something new that I’m excited to eat. I have been through that cycle a number of times in the past year. It occurred to me that I’m probably not the only one going through this- so I decided to start sharing the recipes that I have created for myself to help me lose 36 lbs this past year.
In the months to come (If there’s continued interest) I will keep the high protein recipes coming- both savory and sweet! To make your own journey to healthy eating easier!
This pasta salad was my all time favorite thing to eat for a good few months! I’m a pasta girl through and through so finding ways to include it in meals has been great. Its can be thrown together in 15 minutes (or less). You can also meal prep this one If you wish you can make it in a larger quantity and store the pasta, tomatoes and seasoning together in the fridge. I personally like to air fry the chicken fresh & throw it on top. But- if you don’t mind cold chicken it can be thrown right in the bowl too. The variety of textures along with a classic caprese salad this recipe is a winner!!
Its one of those no-recipe recipes. You’ll be able to throw it together without much thought!
The way I made this recipe I end up with about 29 grams of protein for 1 bowl! Depending on the brand of pasta you choose and if you include the mozzarella or not- your bowl may have a little more or less protein.
If you are dairy free and want some cheesy flavor- I think a vegan parmesan would taste great!
Pasta Options:
I think this is highly individual! Everyone has different tastes and preferences.
IF you eat Gluten the barilla protein + pasta is excellent.
If you are gluten free and want a super high protein option: Kaizen is super healthy and decent!
If you like Bean Based Pasta- there’s the brand Banza or you may find Lentil pasta at various grocery stores.
There is also the brand Goodles of protein Gluten Free Pasta (I have not tried this one yet) which is a mix of rice and chickpeas. This one seems promising!
If you aren’t worried about protein and are just looking for a delicious Gluten Free Pasta -Jovial is hands down the best.
Gluten Free High Protein Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad
This recipe is just for one delicious serving! I'm sharing exactly the way I make it to end up with a quick and easy meal with 29 grams of protein. If you wish you can make it in a larger quantity and store the pasta, tomatoes and seasoning together in the fridge. I personally like to air fry the chicken fresh & throw it on top.
Ingredients
- About 1 Cup Cooked Protein Pasta! (Brand/amount up to you!)
- 3 ounces (1 serving) Air Fried Chicken Chopped (Breaded or Grilled)
- 1 Tbsp Freeze Dried Basil or Fresh finely chopped Basil
- 2 Tsp Balsamic Vinegar
- 1-3 Tsp Olive Oil
- 6-8 baby tomatoes sliced
- 1 Serving (1 oz) Mozzarella (optional)
- 1/8 Tsp Garlic Powder
- Salt & Pepper to taste.
Instructions
- Throw chicken of choice into the air fryer following its cooking directions. Cook your pasta of choice & set aside to cool.
- While the chicken & pasta are cooking- chop your tomatoes.
- Add the pasta, tomatoes, olive oil, balsamic, basil, garlic powder, salt and pepper into a bowl. Toss well. Chop the chicken and place it on top with mozzarella & enjoy!