Flavorful Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

The Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that captures the essence of summer with every bite. Imagine twirling your fork through colorful pasta, tender chicken, and a medley of fresh vegetables, all tossed in a zingy dressing that makes your taste buds dance. This salad is not just food; it’s a celebration on a plate!

This delightful recipe has been a staple at family gatherings and lazy weekend lunches. I can still remember the first time I made it, trying to impress friends who were visiting from out of town. Spoiler alert: they were impressed! Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or simply enjoying on your patio while pretending to be on a Greek island, this dish will have you saying “Opa!” in no time.

Ingredients for Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Rotini or Fusilli Pasta: These twisted shapes hold onto the dressing beautifully, ensuring each bite bursts with flavor.
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 pieces to provide hearty protein that balances the pasta.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy; they add color and freshness to the salad.
• Cucumber: Chopped for crunch; choose a firm cucumber for the best texture.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a bit of sharpness; soak it in water briefly if you want to mellow the flavor.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds creaminess and tanginess; opt for high-quality cheese for maximum flavor.

For the Dressing:

• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for richness and depth of flavor in your dressing.
• Lemon Juice: Fresh squeezed lemon juice adds brightness and acidity; bottled juice just won’t cut it here!
• Dried Oregano: A sprinkle of oregano brings that classic Mediterranean taste right into your bowl.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your rotini or fusilli pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and let rest before slicing.

Step 3: Chop Your Veggies

While waiting for everything else, chop up those cherry tomatoes into halves, dice your cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and crumble that feta cheese like you mean it!

Step 4: Whisk Up the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk (or shake) until well combined—this is where all that magic happens!

Step 5: Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl (or you can just use your pot from earlier because we’re all about minimal dishes), toss together the cooled pasta, cooked chicken slices, chopped veggies, feta cheese crumbles, and dressing until everything is evenly coated.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Transfer your colorful creation onto plates or into containers if you’re meal prepping—and don’t forget to garnish with extra feta or fresh herbs if you feel fancy!

This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad serves well chilled or at room temperature—perfect for any gathering or just because you deserve something delicious today! Enjoy every last bite as you daydream about sunny afternoons by the Mediterranean Sea!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first to lock in those juicy flavors, then cook the pasta while preparing the zesty sauce. This sequence keeps everything fresh and delicious, ensuring your Mediterranean chicken pasta salad is a hit at your next gathering.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences—add sun-dried tomatoes, replace basil with parsley, or toss in olives for an extra punch. The possibilities are endless, so let your culinary creativity shine through.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, gently warm in a skillet over low heat to preserve flavors and textures without turning it into a mushy mess.

I once whipped up this Mediterranean chicken pasta salad for a casual dinner party. My friends devoured it, declaring it “life-changing.” Their enthusiasm made me realize that sometimes, simple ingredients create the best memories around the table.

FAQs

What ingredients are used in Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad?

Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad features a variety of fresh ingredients. You will need cooked chicken, pasta (like penne or fusilli), cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, olives, and bell peppers. For the dressing, use olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and Italian herbs for flavor. This salad is not only colorful but also nutritious and satisfying.

How can I customize my Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad?

You can easily customize your Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad by adding or substituting ingredients. Consider including artichoke hearts, spinach, or feta cheese for added flavor. If you prefer a different protein source, try turkey or lamb. Adjust the dressing to your taste by experimenting with different herbs and spices to create your own unique twist.

Can I make Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes, Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain the pasta’s texture. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it even tastier when served the next day.

How long does Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad can last in the fridge for up to three days. However, its freshness decreases over time. To ensure optimal taste and texture, consume it within this period and avoid adding dressing until you’re ready to eat.

Conclusion for Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad

Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that brings together fresh ingredients and bold flavors. By using chicken alongside colorful vegetables and a zesty dressing, you create a meal that’s both satisfying and healthy. Customize it with your favorite additions or enjoy it as is for a delightful lunch or dinner option. Perfect for meal prep or as a side at gatherings, this salad is versatile and easy to make!

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Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad

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Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that perfectly captures the flavors of summer. With al dente rotini pasta, tender chicken, and a colorful mix of fresh vegetables, this salad is drizzled with a bright lemon-oregano dressing that will tantalize your taste buds. Ideal for picnics, family gatherings, or casual dinners, it’s both nutritious and satisfying. Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature, making it a versatile choice for meal prep or entertaining.

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
• 2 cups cooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 cucumber (diced)
• ½ red onion (thinly sliced)
• ½ cup feta cheese (crumbled)
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente; drain and rinse under cold water.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper; cook in a skillet over medium heat with olive oil for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown. Let rest before slicing.
3. Chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and crumble the feta cheese.
4. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper for the dressing.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, sliced chicken, vegetables, feta cheese, and dressing; toss gently to coat evenly.
6. Serve chilled or at room temperature; garnish with extra feta if desired.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: - For added flavor variations, consider adding black olives or sun-dried tomatoes. - To save time during meal prep, use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own.