Ultimate High Protein Meal Prep (you can eat cold)

Ultimate High Protein Meal Prep (you can eat cold) is a easy American recipe that serves 5. 602 calories per serving. Recipe by Alex Gamble on YouTube.

Prep: 12 min | Cook: 27 min | Total: 49 min

Cost: $17.56 total, $3.51 per serving

Ingredients

  • 300 g Dry Pasta (any short pasta shape, such as rotini or penne)
  • 500 g Pre‑Cooked Chicken (shredded or bite‑size pieces; can substitute with cooked chicken breast you make yourself)
  • 1 medium Cucumber (seeded and diced)
  • 1 medium Capsicum (Bell Pepper) (any colour, diced)
  • 1 medium Tomato (diced)
  • 500 g Fat‑Free Greek Yogurt (plain, unsweetened)
  • 100 g Smoky Chipotle Mayo (store‑bought; can replace with regular mayo + chipotle powder)
  • 5 large Eggs (hard‑boiled, peeled)
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta

    Fill a large pot with water, bring to a rolling boil using a kettle to speed up the process, add a pinch of salt, then add 300 g dry pasta. Stir once, then cook for 10‑12 minutes until al dente.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: Boiling

  2. Boil the Eggs

    Place 5 large eggs in a saucepan, cover with cold water, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 5‑7 minutes for hard‑boiled yolks.

    Time: PT7M

    Temperature: Boiling

  3. Cook the Chicken (If Using Raw)

    If you prefer to cook your own chicken, heat a skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of oil, then add 500 g chicken breast cut into bite‑size pieces. Season with salt, pepper and a pinch of paprika. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 7‑8 minutes until no pink remains.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: Medium

  4. Prepare the Vegetables

    While the pasta and eggs are cooking, dice the cucumber, capsicum and tomato into bite‑size pieces.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Make the Yogurt‑Chipotle Sauce

    In a mixing bowl combine 500 g fat‑free Greek yogurt with 100 g smoky chipotle mayo. Stir until smooth. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Drain and Cool the Pasta

    When the pasta is al dente, drain it in a colander and rinse briefly with cool water to stop cooking. Transfer to a large bowl.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Assemble the Salad

    To the bowl with pasta add the diced cucumber, capsicum, tomato, 500 g pre‑cooked (or freshly cooked) chicken, and the yogurt‑chipotle sauce. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Portion and Finish

    Divide the salad evenly into five meal‑prep containers. Peel the boiled eggs, slice each in half and place one half on top of each container. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
602
Protein
54 g
Carbohydrates
52 g
Fat
19 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: High Protein, Contains Gluten, Contains Dairy, Meal‑Prep Friendly

Allergens: Eggs, Milk

Last updated: April 6, 2026

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Ultimate High Protein Meal Prep (you can eat cold)

Recipe by Alex Gamble

A quick 15‑minute, high‑protein cold pasta salad packed with pre‑cooked chicken, fresh veggies, boiled eggs and a creamy Greek‑yogurt‑chipotle mayo sauce. Perfect for five days of lunch or dinner and budget‑friendly at under $5 per serving.

EasyAmericanServes 5

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
2m
Prep
44m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
56m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$17.56
Total cost
$3.51
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cook pasta al dente – overcooked pasta becomes mushy when stored.
  • Ensure chicken (if cooked from raw) reaches 165 °F to avoid foodborne illness.
  • Boil eggs for the correct time and cool quickly to prevent over‑cooking.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw chicken with separate cutting board and wash hands thoroughly.
  • Use pot holders when handling boiling water and hot pans.
  • Cool boiled eggs before peeling to avoid burns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of chicken pasta salad in American meal‑prep cuisine?

A

Chicken pasta salad became popular in the United States during the early 2000s as a convenient, portable lunch for busy professionals. It blends classic Italian pasta salad concepts with high‑protein American fitness trends, making it a staple for gym‑goers and office workers alike.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of chicken pasta salad in the United States?

A

In the Midwest, the salad often features a creamy ranch dressing and sweet corn. On the West Coast, avocado, citrus vinaigrette, and grilled chicken are common. The Southern version may include a tangy mustard‑based sauce and pickles. Alex Gamble’s version uses a Greek‑yogurt‑chipotle mayo sauce for a high‑protein twist.

cultural
Q

How is chicken pasta salad traditionally served in American lunch settings?

A

It is typically served cold in individual containers or on a platter with a side of fresh fruit. The salad is eaten straight from the container, making it ideal for office fridges, picnics, or gym‑bag lunches.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is chicken pasta salad associated with in American culture?

A

It is a go‑to dish for pot‑lucks, family picnics, and post‑workout meals because it can be prepared ahead, is easy to transport, and provides a balanced mix of protein, carbs, and veggies.

cultural
Q

How does chicken pasta salad fit into the broader American healthy‑eating cuisine?

A

The dish reflects the American focus on convenience, portion control, and macro‑tracking. By swapping high‑fat mayo for Greek yogurt and adding lean chicken, it aligns with the clean‑eating and high‑protein trends popular in U.S. fitness circles.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for chicken pasta salad versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include cooked pasta, grilled chicken, mayonnaise‑based dressing, and raw vegetables. Acceptable substitutes are whole‑wheat or legume pasta, Greek yogurt for mayo, and tofu or canned tuna for chicken, all of which keep the macro profile similar.

cultural
Q

What other American dishes pair well with chicken pasta salad for a balanced meal?

A

Pair it with a simple fruit salad, a handful of mixed nuts, or a side of roasted sweet potatoes for extra complex carbs. A glass of iced green tea or sparkling water completes the light, protein‑rich lunch.

cultural
Q

What makes Alex Gamble’s high‑protein chicken pasta salad special in American meal‑prep cuisine?

A

Alex Gamble emphasizes speed (15 minutes total), cost efficiency (under $5 per serving), and a macro‑friendly sauce made from fat‑free Greek yogurt and chipotle mayo, boosting protein while keeping calories moderate.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making chicken pasta salad?

A

Common errors include overcooking the pasta, which turns mushy after refrigeration, under‑cooking the chicken (risking foodborne illness), and not cooling boiled eggs before peeling, which can cause the yolk to become chalky.

technical
Q

How do I know when the chicken is done cooking in this recipe?

A

The chicken pieces should be uniformly white with no pink inside and reach an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C) when checked with an instant‑read thermometer. They should also feel firm to the touch.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Alex Gamble specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Alex Gamble focuses on fast, budget‑friendly meal‑prep recipes for fitness‑oriented audiences, emphasizing high protein, low‑fat meals that can be prepared in under 20 minutes.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Alex Gamble’s approach to American meal‑prep cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Alex Gamble combines detailed macro breakdowns, cost per serving calculations, and a no‑microwave, cold‑serve philosophy, whereas many other channels focus on hot, restaurant‑style dishes or elaborate techniques.

channel

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