Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad combines bright, fresh ingredients with a rich, satisfying base. The chicken adds a nice protein boost, while the pasta makes the dish filling and comforting. The tangy feta and olives bring bold Mediterranean flavors, while the lemon-olive oil dressing ties everything together with a refreshing kick. It’s a versatile recipe that can be easily customized with seasonal ingredients, and it’s perfect for meal prepping or serving at a party. It’s quick to make, filling, and bursting with flavors that are sure to impress.

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

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

Italian seasoning or dried oregano (optional)

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

Directions

Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Season the chicken breast with salt, pepper, and your choice of spices, then cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Let it rest before dicing.

Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain without rinsing to retain the pasta’s starch and texture.

Prepare the Veggies: While the pasta cooks, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Combine them with the cooked pasta, diced chicken, feta cheese, and kalamata olives in a large mixing bowl.

Make the Dressing: Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the salad mixture. Toss everything gently to combine, ensuring the pasta and ingredients are evenly coated.

Adjust and Serve: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra lemon juice if needed. Serve chilled, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Version: If I want to make this salad vegetarian, I’ll swap the chicken for chickpeas or roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.

Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free pasta to keep the dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Extra Flavor: Marinating the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs before cooking adds even more flavor to the dish.

Add More Veggies: I love to add seasonal veggies like bell peppers, roasted eggplant, or spinach to mix things up.

Storage/Reheating

This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. I prefer to keep it chilled and serve it straight from the fridge, as the flavors develop and meld better over time.

This salad is best served cold, so no need to reheat. If it thickens in the fridge, simply toss it with a little extra olive oil and lemon juice before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep. In fact, the flavors meld even better after chilling for a few hours or overnight in the fridge. Just give it a quick toss before serving.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! While feta is a classic Mediterranean choice, you can swap it out with other cheeses like goat cheese, mozzarella, or Parmesan, depending on your preferences.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Definitely! You can use any pasta shape you like, such as farfalle, fusilli, or bowtie pasta. Just make sure to cook it al dente for the best texture.

How can I make this salad spicier?

If I want to add a little heat, I’ll sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or add a chopped jalapeño to the mix for a spicy kick.

Can I freeze Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad?

I wouldn’t recommend freezing this salad. The pasta and vegetables may lose their texture when frozen and thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge for a few days.

Conclusion

Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is a colorful, flavorful, and satisfying dish that brings a fresh taste of the Mediterranean to any meal. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a quick lunch or dinner. The combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, tangy feta, and the vibrant lemon dressing makes this salad a crowd favorite. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead and customize to suit your taste. Try it out, and I’m sure it will become a go-to recipe in your meal rotation!

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