Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad

Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is a fresh, flavorful dish packed with tender chicken, colorful veggies, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty homemade dressing. This salad is perfect for a light lunch, meal prep, or a side dish at summer gatherings. With a mix of protein, healthy fats, and vibrant Mediterranean flavors, it’s both nutritious and delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Fresh & Flavorful: A perfect balance of savory, tangy, and herby flavors.
  • Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep.
  • Great for Meal Prep: Stays fresh in the fridge for a few days.
  • Healthy & Satisfying: Packed with lean protein, veggies, and healthy fats.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for picnics, BBQs, and potlucks.

Ingredients

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

For the Salad:

  • Cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or bowtie)
  • Cooked chicken breast (grilled or shredded)
  • Cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • Cucumber (diced)
  • Red onion (thinly sliced)
  • Kalamata olives (pitted and sliced)
  • Feta cheese (crumbled)
  • Fresh parsley (chopped)

For the Dressing:

  • Olive oil
  • Lemon juice
  • Red wine vinegar
  • Garlic (minced)
  • Dijon mustard
  • Dried oregano
  • Salt & black pepper

Directions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Grill, bake, or shred cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Make the Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
  4. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
  5. Toss with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well.
  6. Chill & Serve: Let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4-6
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.
  • Dairy-Free: Skip the feta or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
  • Extra Protein: Add chickpeas for more plant-based protein.
  • Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the dressing.
  • More Veggies: Try adding spinach, artichokes, or roasted red peppers.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Not recommended, as pasta and veggies may become soggy.
  • Reheating: Best served cold, but can be lightly warmed if preferred.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes! It’s a quick and easy option for this salad.

What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta like penne, rotini, or bowtie holds the dressing well.

How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?

Toss with dressing just before serving, or store dressing separately.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! It tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.

What can I use instead of feta cheese?

Try goat cheese, parmesan, or leave it out for a dairy-free option.

Can I add nuts?

Yes! Pine nuts or toasted almonds add great crunch.

What’s a good substitute for red wine vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar work well.

Can I use canned chicken?

Fresh or rotisserie chicken is best, but canned chicken works in a pinch.

How do I make the dressing creamier?

Whisk in a little Greek yogurt for a creamy Mediterranean dressing.

Can I serve this warm?

Yes! It’s delicious warm or cold.

Conclusion

Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is a light, refreshing, and protein-packed dish that’s easy to make and full of vibrant flavors. Whether you enjoy it for lunch, meal prep, or as a side dish, this recipe is a go-to for any occasion. Try it today and bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table!

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Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Chill Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: Salad, Main Course, Meal Prep
  • Category: Mixing & Tossing
  • Method: Mediterranean

Description

This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is fresh, flavorful, and packed with protein! Tossed with juicy chicken, vibrant veggies, and a tangy lemon-garlic dressing, it’s perfect for meal prep, picnics, or a light summer dinner.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad

  • 2 cups (200 g) pasta (penne, rotini, or bowtie)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded 🍗 (grilled or rotisserie)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 🍅
  • 1/2 cup cucumber, diced 🥒
  • 1/2 cup kalamata olives, sliced 🫒
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese 🧀
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped 🌿

For the Lemon-Garlic Dressing

  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice 🍋
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste

 



Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

  1. Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  2. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

2. Make the Dressing

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper.

3. Assemble the Salad

  1. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, and parsley.
  2. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well.
  3. Gently fold in the feta cheese.

4. Chill & Serve

  1. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
  2. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Make it vegetarian: Swap chicken for chickpeas or grilled tofu.
Extra crunch? Add chopped bell peppers or toasted pine nuts.
Meal prep friendly: Stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.

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