Greek Chicken Pasta Salad

This Greek Chicken Pasta Salad is a refreshing and hearty dish packed with Mediterranean flavors. Tender grilled chicken, al dente pasta, crisp veggies, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty homemade Greek dressing come together for the perfect meal. Whether served as a main dish or a side, this pasta salad is great for meal prep, picnics, or a light summer dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright & Fresh – Packed with crisp veggies and a flavorful dressing.
• Protein-Packed – Grilled chicken makes it a satisfying meal.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients with minimal prep time.
• Perfect for Meal Prep – Stays fresh in the fridge for days.
• Customizable – Swap ingredients to fit your taste!

Ingredients

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

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp lemon zest

For the Pasta Salad:

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or bowtie)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 cup cucumber (diced)
• ½ cup red onion (thinly sliced)
• ½ cup Kalamata olives (pitted and halved)
• ½ cup feta cheese (crumbled)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)

For the Greek Dressing:

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Directions

this recipe

1. Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
• Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.

2. Prepare the Chicken

• In a bowl, mix olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
• Rub the mixture over both sides of the chicken breasts.

Grill Method:

• Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F).
• Grill chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until internal temp reaches 165°F.
• Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips or cubes.

Skillet Method:

• Heat a pan over medium heat with 1 tbsp olive oil.
• Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
• Let rest, then slice.

3. Make the Dressing

• In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.

4. Assemble the Salad

• In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and parsley.
• Add the sliced chicken and pour the dressing over the salad.
• Toss well to coat.
• Sprinkle with feta cheese and serve!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option – Skip the chicken and add chickpeas for protein.
• Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced pepperoncini.
• Extra Crunch – Toss in bell peppers or sunflower seeds.
• Creamy Version – Add a dollop of Greek yogurt to the dressing.
• Low-Carb Option – Use zucchini noodles or whole wheat pasta.

Storage & Reheating

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Best enjoyed cold, but you can warm the chicken separately if desired.
• Make-Ahead Tip: Store dressing separately and mix before serving to keep everything fresh.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?

Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option.

What pasta works best for this recipe?

Short pastas like penne, rotini, or bowtie work best for holding the dressing and mix-ins.

Can I make this without feta cheese?

Absolutely! Try goat cheese or leave it out for a dairy-free version.

How do I keep my pasta salad from drying out?

Add extra dressing before serving if the pasta has absorbed too much liquid.

What other proteins can I use?

Grilled shrimp, steak, or salmon work great with Greek flavors.

Can I add a little sweetness to the dressing?

Yes! Add ½ tsp honey for a subtle sweetness.

What’s a good side dish for this pasta salad?

Pair with warm pita bread, hummus, or tzatziki for a complete meal.

Can I use bottled Greek dressing instead?

Yes, but homemade has fresher, bolder flavors.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap in gluten-free pasta.

Conclusion

This Greek Chicken Pasta Salad is a vibrant, fresh, and satisfying dish packed with Mediterranean flavors. Whether you’re making it for meal prep, a potluck, or a healthy family dinner, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Try it today and enjoy a taste of Greece in every bite!

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