High Protein Macaroni Salad (Hawaiian Mac Salad) 38g Protein!
This high protein version of Hawaiian mac salad delivers 38g of protein per serving! Using elbow macaroni, chicken breast, veggies and a creamy dressing made with Greek yogurt, this protein pasta salad is great for meal prep and can be enjoyed cold!
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 416kcal
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- colander
- large mixing bowl
- Box grater (for carrots)
- Kitchen scale (recommended for portioning)
Ingredients
- 16 oz elbow macaroni dry
- 24 oz cooked chicken breast diced small
- ½ cup grated carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- ½ cup diced red onion
Dressing
- 1 cup fat-free Greek yogurt
- ½ cup light mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar or honey optional, traditional sweetness
- 2 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until soft and fully tender, following package directions.
- Cool the pasta: Drain the cooked pasta and immediately rinse under cold running water until completely cooled. Shake the colander well and allow the pasta to drain thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
- Prep the mix-ins: While the pasta cools, dice the cooked chicken breast into small, bite-sized pieces. Grate the carrots and dice the celery and red onion. Smaller pieces help the salad stay cohesive and evenly distributed.
- Make the dressing: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the fat-free Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar or honey (if using), salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until smooth and fully combined.
- Assemble the salad: Add the cooled pasta, diced chicken breast, grated carrots, diced celery, and red onion to a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the top. Stir gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing and no dry pasta remains. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Adjust and serve: Before serving, stir the salad. If a creamier texture is desired, mix in an additional tablespoon or two of Greek yogurt or light mayonnaise. Enjoy!
Notes
🧊Storage & Texture Notes
As it chills, the dressing absorbs into the pasta, which for some people can be too dry. If you prefer it extra creamy, mix in a small amount of Greek yogurt or light mayonnaise to loosen the dressing before enjoying. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days and stir before serving.Nutrition
Serving: 280g | Calories: 416kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 8g