Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is bursting with fresh ingredients and tangy flavors. The combination of grilled or cooked chicken, pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta, and Kalamata olives creates a satisfying meal that is both light and filling. The extra virgin olive oil dressing ties it all together, adding richness without being too heavy. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing salad that can be prepared in advance and served cold, making it the perfect dish for meal prepping or outdoor entertaining.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked and diced chicken breast
• 8 ounces penne or rotini pasta
• 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
• 1 medium cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1 cup feta cheese crumbles
• 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne or rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to cool it down quickly. Set aside.
2. Prepare the chicken: If you haven’t already, cook the chicken breast and dice it into bite-sized pieces. You can grill, pan-sear, or bake the chicken before adding it to the salad. Let it cool to room temperature.
3. Prepare the vegetables: Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and finely chop the red onion.
4. Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and Kalamata olives.
5. Make the dressing: Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the salad and toss gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Chill and serve: For best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 10 minutes (for pasta and chicken)

Variations

• Add More Veggies: You can add bell peppers, Kalamata olives, or even roasted red peppers for extra flavor and color.
• Greek Yogurt Dressing: Swap the olive oil for a Greek yogurt-based dressing to make it even creamier.
• Add Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or oregano can be added to enhance the Mediterranean flavor.
• Make It Dairy-Free: Omit the feta cheese or use a dairy-free alternative like vegan feta.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: This salad is best served cold, so there is no need to reheat. If it becomes a little dry after storing, you can add a drizzle of olive oil or lemon juice before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta you like, such as farfalle, fusilli, or rotini. Just ensure it is cooked al dente.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! This salad actually tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors have time to meld together. You can make it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator.

Can I use a different cheese besides feta?

Absolutely! You can substitute feta with mozzarella, goat cheese, or even a dairy-free alternative for a different flavor.

How can I make this salad spicier?

For a little kick, you can add some red pepper flakes or a small diced jalapeño to the salad.

Can I use cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience?

Yes, using cooked rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and will still add delicious flavor to the salad.

Can I add more protein to this salad?

Yes, you can add more protein by including grilled shrimp, salmon, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.

How do I make the dressing tangier?

If you like a tangier flavor, add a splash of lemon juice or balsamic vinegar to the olive oil dressing for an extra zesty kick.

Can I use a different type of olives?

Yes, if you don’t have Kalamata olives, you can substitute with black olives or green olives depending on your preference.

How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?

To prevent the pasta from becoming too soft, be sure to cook it al dente, and rinse it with cold water after draining to stop the cooking process.

How long will this salad last in the fridge?

This salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. After that, the freshness of the vegetables may start to diminish, but it’s still safe to eat for a few days more.

Conclusion

Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is a perfect combination of fresh, vibrant ingredients and Mediterranean flavors. The tender chicken, pasta, crisp vegetables, and creamy feta come together in a light yet satisfying dish that’s ideal for meal prep, picnics, or quick weeknight dinners. With endless variations, it’s easy to customize the salad to suit your tastes. This recipe is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean in a convenient, easy-to-make salad.

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