Veggie and Chicken Pasta Salad - PCOS-Friendly Recipe

Veggie and Chicken Pasta Salad
Prep: 24 min
Servings: 4
Dinner

Nutrition per Serving

205 Calories
15g Protein
25g Carbs
5g Fat
The key to including pasta in your meal plan without going overboard on carbohydrate is to keep the portion size small and serve it with lots of veggies and some protein. This is a quick dinner the whole family can enjoy any time of year.

Ingredients

  • Salad
  • 1 cup uncooked whole-wheat elbow pasta
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup cucumber (peeled), diced
  • 1/2 cup small broccoli florets
  • 1 large carrot, diced
  • 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
  • Dressing
  • 1/4 cup light mayonnaise
  • 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1/8 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together the pasta, red bell pepper, cucumber, broccoli, carrots, and chicken.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients. Pour the dressing over the pasta, vegetables, and chicken and mix well. Serve.
  4. Recipe Cost: $6.25
  5. Choices/Exchanges: 1 1/2 Starch, 1 Nonstarchy Vegetable, 1 Lean Protein, 1/2 Fat

How This Recipe Supports PCOS Management

Understanding the nutritional profile of what you eat is a powerful step in managing PCOS. Here is how the key ingredients in this Veggie and Chicken Pasta Salad contribute to your health goals:

  • Chicken: Protein-rich meals help manage insulin resistance common in PCOS
  • Broccoli: Rich in fiber, vitamin C, and chromium which aids blood sugar control
  • Bell pepper: Vitamin C supports adrenal function and may help manage cortisol levels in PCOS
  • Carrot: Provide antioxidants that support overall metabolic health

PCOS Diet Principles in This Recipe

The PCOS diet focuses on three core principles: reducing inflammation, managing insulin resistance, and supporting hormonal balance. Every recipe in our collection is evaluated against these principles. This recipe excels in providing protein-rich ingredients that help regulate appetite hormones (ghrelin and leptin), and nutrient-dense vegetables that provide essential vitamins and minerals for metabolic health. As part of a balanced PCOS meal plan, we recommend pairing recipes like this with a variety of nutrient-dense foods throughout the week to ensure you are meeting all your micronutrient needs.

Meal Prep Tip: This Veggie and Chicken Pasta Salad can be prepared ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Meal prepping is one of the most effective strategies for sticking to a PCOS-friendly diet, as it removes the temptation to reach for processed convenience foods when time is short.

PCOS-Friendly Foods in This Recipe

This recipe contains the following foods that may benefit PCOS management: Broccoli, Chicken Breast.

Broccoli is a highly nutritious vegetable that provides numerous health benefits, especially for individuals managing PCOS. This cruciferous vegetable is rich in essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. But what makes broccoli particularly beneficial for those with PCOS? Low Glycemic Index (GI) Broccoli has a low glycemic index, making it an excellent choice for maintaining stable blood sugar levels. This is particularly important for individuals with PCOS, as it helps manage insul...

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