Simple High Protein Meal Prep (you can eat cold)

Simple High Protein Meal Prep (you can eat cold) is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 495 calories per serving. Recipe by Alex Gamble on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 45 min

Cost: $12.27 total, $3.07 per serving

Ingredients

  • 600 g Chicken Breast (raw weight, cut into bite‑size pieces)
  • 240 g Protein Pasta (any high‑protein or regular durum wheat pasta)
  • 1 piece Cucumber (medium, diced)
  • 1 piece Bell Pepper (any colour, diced)
  • 2 pieces Tomatoes (medium, chopped)
  • 300 g Fat‑Free Greek Yogurt (plain, unsweetened)
  • 80 g Garlic (minced (about 4–5 cloves))
  • 5 g Paprika (ground, for seasoning chicken and dressing)
  • 5 g Salt (to season pasta water and chicken)
  • 10 ml Olive Oil Spray (light coating for the pan)

Instructions

  1. Weigh and Prep Ingredients

    Zero out the kitchen scale, then weigh 600 g chicken breast, 240 g protein pasta, 300 g Greek yogurt, 80 g garlic, and the vegetables. Dice cucumber, bell pepper and tomatoes.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Cook Pasta

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, add the pasta and cook according to package directions (usually 8‑10 min) until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly with cold water to stop cooking.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: boiling

  3. Season and Cook Chicken

    While the pasta cooks, heat the pan over medium‑high heat, spray lightly with olive oil, then add the chicken pieces. Sprinkle with paprika, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink and reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C), about 8‑10 min.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: medium‑high (≈375°F)

  4. Make Yogurt Garlic Dressing

    In a large mixing bowl combine 300 g fat‑free Greek yogurt, 80 g minced garlic, a pinch of paprika, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Combine All Components

    Add the cooked pasta, sautéed chicken, diced cucumber, bell pepper and tomatoes to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Port and Store

    Divide the salad into four airtight containers (approximately 350 g each). Store in the refrigerator and consume within three days.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
495
Protein
57 g
Carbohydrates
50 g
Fat
10 g
Fiber
5 g

Dietary info: High‑protein, Low‑calorie, Meal‑prep friendly, Gluten‑optional (use gluten‑free pasta), Dairy‑optional (use dairy‑free yogurt)

Allergens: Dairy (Greek yogurt), Gluten (pasta)

Last updated: April 6, 2026

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Simple High Protein Meal Prep (you can eat cold)

Recipe by Alex Gamble

A cold, high‑protein pasta salad perfect for meal‑prepping. Each serving provides about 57 g of protein and stays under 500 calories. Made with chicken breast, protein‑rich pasta, fresh veggies and a tangy fat‑free Greek‑yogurt dressing.

EasyAmericanServes 4

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

Source Video
15m
Prep
25m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
50m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$12.27
Total cost
$3.07
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Weigh raw chicken and pasta for accurate macros.
  • Season chicken before cooking to build flavor.
  • Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165 °F.
  • Rinse pasta with cold water to prevent over‑cooking and sticking.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw chicken with separate cutting board and wash hands thoroughly.
  • Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C) to eliminate harmful bacteria.
  • Be careful when handling hot boiling water to avoid burns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of high‑protein chicken pasta salad in modern fitness cuisine?

A

High‑protein pasta salads emerged from the fitness community’s need for convenient, balanced meals that can be prepared in bulk. Combining lean chicken, protein‑enriched pasta and a low‑fat Greek‑yogurt dressing reflects a blend of traditional Mediterranean flavors with contemporary macro‑counting trends.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of chicken pasta salad in American fitness cooking?

A

In the United States, variations often swap regular pasta for legume‑based or whole‑grain versions, replace Greek yogurt with cottage cheese or avocado‑based dressings, and add regional veggies like corn, black beans or kale. The core concept—high protein, low calorie, cold‑served salad—remains the same.

cultural
Q

How is high‑protein chicken pasta salad traditionally served in meal‑prep culture?

A

It is typically portioned into individual airtight containers and eaten cold straight from the fridge. Many athletes pair it with a piece of fruit or a handful of nuts for a complete post‑workout meal, and they often consume it within three days for optimal freshness.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is high‑protein chicken pasta salad associated with in fitness communities?

A

The dish is popular during competition prep phases, bulk‑cut cycles, and group training retreats where quick, nutritious meals are needed. It’s also a staple at “meal‑prep Sundays,” a weekly ritual among fitness enthusiasts.

cultural
Q

What makes high‑protein chicken pasta salad special in the context of American healthy eating?

A

It delivers a rare combination of 57 g of protein and under 500 calories per serving while staying simple, affordable, and ready to eat cold. The use of fat‑free Greek yogurt provides a creamy texture without added fat, making it stand out among typical pasta salads.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making high‑protein chicken pasta salad from Alex Gamble’s YouTube channel?

A

Common errors include overcooking the chicken (making it dry), not seasoning the pasta water (leading to bland pasta), and mixing the dressing while the pasta is still hot, which can cause the yogurt to curdle. Following Alex’s tip to rinse the pasta with cold water prevents sticking and keeps the yogurt dressing smooth.

technical
Q

Why does Alex Gamble’s recipe use fat‑free Greek yogurt instead of a traditional mayo‑based dressing?

A

Greek yogurt adds protein and a tangy flavor while keeping the calorie count low. Unlike mayo, it doesn’t introduce unnecessary fat, aligning with the goal of a high‑protein, sub‑500‑calorie meal.

technical
Q

Can I make high‑protein chicken pasta salad ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Prepare the salad up to step 5, then portion into containers and refrigerate. It stays fresh for up to three days. For longer storage, keep the chicken and pasta separate from the yogurt dressing and freeze the components individually.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the chicken is done in Alex Gamble’s high‑protein chicken pasta salad?

A

The chicken should be golden‑brown on the outside, tender inside, and register 165 °F on an instant‑read thermometer. It should not be pink or rubbery. Properly cooked chicken will blend smoothly with the pasta and dressing.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Alex Gamble specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Alex Gamble focuses on practical, high‑protein meal‑prep recipes for fitness enthusiasts, emphasizing quick preparation, macro‑counting, and budget‑friendly ingredients.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Alex Gamble’s approach to fitness cooking differ from other health‑food channels?

A

Alex Gamble prioritizes real‑world efficiency—using minimal dishes, offering calorie‑adjustable variations, and providing detailed macro breakdowns. While many channels showcase gourmet plating, Alex keeps the focus on nutrition, scalability, and everyday kitchen tools.

channel

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