High-Protein Crispy Chik'n Pasta Salad with Maple Dijon Dressing

This colorful, protein-packed pasta salad combines fresh, crunchy vegetables, hearty red beans, sweet corn, and perfectly cooked protein pasta, all tossed in a homemade maple Dijon dressing. Topped with crispy plant-based chicken, crumbled vegan feta, and a drizzle of chili-infused balsamic vinaigrette, every bite delivers the perfect balance of savory, sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors. It's fresh, satisfying, and incredibly easy to prepare! Perfect for meal prepping, a nutritious lunch, or a delicious dinner.

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Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the protein pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and allow it to cool slightly.

Step 2

Place the Gardein Ultimate Plant-Based Crispy Chicken patties in the air fryer and cook according to the package instructions until golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, let them rest briefly before slicing them into strips.

Step 3

While the pasta and chicken are cooking, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the orange bell pepper and cucumber, finely chop the shallot, and chop the fresh parsley. Drain and rinse the corn and red beans.

Step 4

In a small jar or container with a lid, combine the olive oil, garlic-infused olive oil, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, water, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until everything is well combined.

Step 5

Transfer the cooked pasta to a large mixing bowl. Add the cherry tomatoes, corn, red beans, parsley, shallot, bell pepper, and cucumber.

Step 6

Pour the homemade maple Dijon dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss everything together until evenly coated and well combined.

Step 7

Divide the pasta salad evenly into six servings. Arrange one sliced crispy chicken patty over each serving.

Step 8

Sprinkle crumbled vegan feta cheese over the top and finish with a drizzle of chili-infused balsamic vinaigrette for an extra layer of tangy, slightly spicy flavor.

Step 9

Serve immediately while the chicken is warm and crispy, or enjoy chilled. Voilà! A colorful, satisfying, high-protein vegan pasta salad packed with flavor and plant-based goodness!