Creamy Hot Honey Basil Pasta Salad (Healthy + High-Protein!)
Swapped the mayo for cottage cheese in this basil sauce to make sure we’re getting enough protein in! It’s perfect for meal prep, lunch, or a side dish that feels way too indulgent to be this healthy. Bonus: it actually gets better as it sits in the fridge! I’ll have...
Ingredients
For the salad
high-protein pasta (like Banza or Barilla Protein+)1lb
cherry tomatoes, halved2cups
cucumber, diced2cups
red bell pepper, diced1cup
red onion, diced1/2cup
crumbled feta1cup- grilled chicken, cubed1cup
For the creamy hot honey basil sauce
fresh basil2cups
cottage cheese1cup
olive oil1/4cup
lemon juice2tbsp
garlic2clove- grated parm (optional)2tbsp
- hot honey (plus more for drizzling)2tsp
Salt & pepper to taste- Water or milk to thin, if needed
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
366.7kcal (18.33%)
Protein
25.0g (50%)
Carbs
33.3g (12.12%)
Sugars
6.7g (13.34%)
Healthy Fat
8.5g
Unhealthy Fat
4.2g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
How to make Creamy Hot Honey Basil Pasta Salad (Healthy + High-Protein!)
- Step 1
Cook pasta according to package instructions. Rinse with cold water and let it cool.
- Step 2
Blend all sauce ingredients until smooth. Thin with water or milk if needed.
- Step 3
In a large bowl, combine the pasta, chopped veggies, feta, and chicken.
- Step 4
Pour over the sauce and toss to coat. Finish with a drizzle of hot honey, some fresh parm, and a squeeze of lemon.
Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
366.7kcal (18.33%)
Protein
25.0g (50%)
Carbs
33.3g (12.12%)
Sugars
6.7g (13.34%)
Healthy Fat
8.5g
Unhealthy Fat
4.2g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Tips & Tricks
This dish gets better as it sits in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep.
Use high-protein pasta to make the dish more filling and nutritious.
Adjust the amount of hot honey based on your spice preference.
For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add more veggies or chickpeas.
FAQS
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the chicken and add more veggies or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
How long does this pasta salad last in the fridge?
It can last up to 3-4 days in the fridge, and the flavors actually improve over time.
Can I use regular pasta instead of high-protein pasta?
Yes, regular pasta works fine, but using high-protein pasta makes the dish more nutritious.
What can I use instead of hot honey?
You can mix honey with a small amount of chili flakes or hot sauce as a substitute for hot honey.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Carly's Cookbook
(@carlyscookbook)
I’ve got your dinner plans! 🍋healthy(ish), simple recipes for every home cook I’ve got your dinner plans! 🍋healthy(ish), simple recipes for every home cook...
Marnirni-apinthi Building, Lot Fourteen,
North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
Australia