Fresh, Zesty & High in Protein: Lemon Parmesan Pasta Salad (Meal Prep or Party-Ready!)
This pasta salad is the freshest, brightest, most flavor-packed lunch situation you could ask for. The star of the show? That lemon parmesan dressing. It’s tangy, garlicky, and just sweet enough thanks to a touch of honey—and it works just as well at your desk on a Tuesday as it does on your Easter table or next to some grilled kabobs at a summer BBQ.
Creator: Leslie Stokes
If you’re looking for that one recipe that checks all the boxes—easy, high-protein, make-ahead friendly, and crowd-pleasing—this is it.
This Lemon Parmesan Pasta Salad is hands-down one of my favorite meal preps I’ve made in a while. It’s bright and lemony, packed with flavor, and full of all the textures—crunchy, tender, leafy, creamy. But let’s be real, the star of the show is the dressing. It’s zippy from the lemon, slightly sweet from the honey, and has that parmesan-garlic magic that makes you want to drink it.
Why You’ll Be Obsessed:
Meal prep goals: It holds up beautifully in the fridge for days and doesn’t get soggy, thanks to the layering trick.
High in protein: Between the protein pasta and grilled chicken, you’re getting nearly 50 grams of protein per serving without even trying.
Fresh + satisfying: The lemon dressing with arugula and artichokes gives it that refreshing, springy feel that somehow also fills you up.
Perfect for entertaining: I know we’re talking about meal prep here, but this is also one of those salads that looks stunning in a big bowl. It’s a guaranteed hit for Easter, baby showers, bridal brunches, BBQs—literally any get-together.
Make It For a Crowd:
If you’re hosting, double the recipe and toss it all together in a big serving bowl right before guests arrive. Drizzle with extra dressing, shave some fresh parmesan over the top, and finish with lemon zest or even a few fresh basil leaves. It’s simple, elegant, and everyone will ask you for the recipe (trust me).
Whether you’re eating it cold out of a meal prep container between Zoom calls or plating it up pretty for a holiday dinner, this Lemon Parmesan Pasta Salad is going to be your new go-to.
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Let’s Talk Meal Prep:
Let’s Talk Meal Prep:
For meal prep, I like to build these in tall mason jars (or any container with depth), layering the noodles on the bottom, then the artichokes, then grilled chicken, and finally the arugula on top. The dressing stays on the side until you’re ready to eat—just pour, shake, and devour.
Pro tip: Add a sprinkle of shaved parmesan right before serving if you want to be a little extra. (Always yes.)
Want to switch things up?
Swap arugula for spinach or chopped kale.
Sub roasted red peppers for the artichokes.
Try shrimp or chickpeas instead of chicken.
Toss in a few cherry tomatoes or cucumbers if you’re feeling it.
This salad is totally customizable and still tastes amazing no matter what.
Lemon Parmesan Pasta Salad (Meal Prep + Party-Perfect!)
Ingredients
Dressing:
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
Salad Ingredients (for 4 servings):
- 8 oz protein pasta like Barilla Protein+ or chickpea pasta
- 24 oz grilled chicken breast seasoned with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic; baked at 425°F for 20 min, flipping halfway
- 1 1/3 cups chopped artichoke hearts about 1/3 cup per serving
- 2 cups arugula
Let's Make It
- Whisk together dressing ingredients in a bowl or shake it up in a mason jar. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Assembly (Meal Prep Style):
- In tall meal prep jars or containers, layer:
- Cooked pasta (cooled)
- Artichoke hearts
- Grilled chicken
- Arugula
- Store dressing separately and drizzle right before eating. Shake it up and enjoy cold or at room temp.
Notes
Nutrition per serving (approximate):
- Calories: 510
- Protein: 46g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 5g Nutrition may vary slightly depending on your pasta choice.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition per serving (approximate):
Calories: 510
Protein: 46g
Carbs: 28 g
Fat: 24g
Fiber: 5g
Nutrition may vary slightly depending on your pasta choice.
