This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures that is not only delicious but also easy to make. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a picnic in the park, or a potluck with friends, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of tender chicken, hearty pasta, fresh vegetables, and tangy feta cheese creates a burst of flavors in every bite.
- With minimal prep time, this dish can be whipped up in no time, making it ideal for busy days or meal prepping for the week.
- This salad is versatile and can be customized with your favorite ingredients like olives, red peppers, or artichokes for a unique twist.
Ingredient Notes:
- Cooked and diced chicken breast: Adds protein and a savory flavor to the salad.
- Penne or rotini pasta: Provides a sturdy base that holds up well with the other ingredients.
- Cherry tomatoes: Adds a burst of sweetness and color to the dish.
- Cucumber: Adds a refreshing crunch to balance out the flavors.
- Red onion: Adds a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
- Feta cheese crumbles: Adds a creamy and tangy element to the salad.
- Kalamata olives: Adds a briny and salty kick to the dish.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Creates a light and flavorful dressing for the salad.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and olives.
- Add the cooked pasta to the bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss everything together until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
Helpful Tips:
- For a creamier texture, add a dollop of Greek yogurt to the dressing.
- To make this salad vegan, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Marinate the chicken in lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for extra flavor.
- Toast the feta cheese in a skillet for a few minutes to enhance its nutty flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad pairs well with a side of crusty bread, a glass of chilled white wine, or a light arugula salad.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To keep the salad fresh, store it in the refrigerator and toss gently before serving to redistribute the dressing. To reheat, place the salad in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different type of pasta for this salad?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as bowtie, fusilli, or even couscous. - Are there any other vegetables I can add to this salad?
Feel free to add bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. - Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. - How can I make this salad more filling?
Add a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas or black beans to the salad for added protein and fiber.
Conclusion:
With its vibrant colors, fresh ingredients, and bold flavors, this Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is a crowd-pleaser that is sure to impress. Give it a try and savor the taste of the Mediterranean in every bite. Don’t forget to share your feedback and enjoy this delicious dish!
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Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Salads
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, feta cheese, and kalamata olives tossed in a tangy olive oil dressing.
Ingredients
Main 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
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions, then drain and rinse with cold water.
- Prepare Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine chicken, pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, feta, and olives.
- Add Dressing: Drizzle olive oil over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve: Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can customize this salad by adding additional ingredients like bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or fresh herbs.
- This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a quick and easy meal prep option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg