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