Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is a bright and satisfying dish perfect for any day of the week. Packed with fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and tangy feta, it offers a delicious balance of flavors and textures. It’s easy to prepare and enjoyed cold, making it great for lunches or light dinners.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast (grilled or roasted)
• 3 cups cooked pasta (fusilli or penne, cooked al dente)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 cucumber (diced)
• ½ cup kalamata olives (pitted and sliced)
• ½ red onion (thinly sliced)
• ½ cup feta cheese (crumbled)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• ¼ cup olive oil (extra virgin)
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional: add a pinch of thyme or basil)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and dried oregano to make the dressing.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, and parsley.
3. Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to combine.
4. Step 4: Add crumbled feta cheese and gently mix to avoid breaking it up too much.
5. Step 5: Chill for at least 15–30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a splash of red wine vinegar to the dressing.
• Substitute grilled shrimp or turkey for chicken if preferred.
• Add fresh herbs like mint or basil for an added aromatic touch.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary needs.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving again, give it a gentle toss and add a little extra olive oil or lemon juice if the salad seems dry. It is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad can be prepared a few hours in advance or even the day before. Chilling allows the flavors to blend beautifully, making it taste even better.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely. While feta is traditional and adds a nice tang, you can substitute with goat cheese or mozzarella for a milder flavor.

Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 90 reviews

Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for any day. Combining tender grilled chicken, al dente pasta, fresh vegetables, tangy olives, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing infused with garlic and oregano. This salad is easy to prepare, nutritious, and ideal for lunch, dinner, or a light meal on warm days.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes (for cooking chicken and pasta, if not pre-cooked)
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast (grilled or roasted)
• 3 cups cooked pasta (fusilli or penne, cooked al dente)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 cucumber (diced)
• ½ cup kalamata olives (pitted and sliced)
• ½ red onion (thinly sliced)
• ½ cup feta cheese (crumbled)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)

Dressing Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• ¼ cup olive oil (extra virgin)
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional: add a pinch of thyme or basil)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and dried oregano until well combined to create a fresh, tangy dressing.
2. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, grilled or roasted chicken breast, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced kalamata olives, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix gently to combine all the flavors evenly.
3. Toss with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure every ingredient is coated with the flavorful dressing.
4. Add Feta Cheese: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the tossed salad and gently mix it in, taking care not to break up the cheese too much to maintain its texture.
5. Chill Before Serving: Cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 15 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully before serving.

Notes

• This salad is best served chilled but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Use freshly cooked and cooled pasta to prevent the salad from becoming mushy.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute grilled chicken with roasted chickpeas or extra vegetables.
• Try adding a pinch of thyme or basil to the dressing for extra herbal aroma.
• If you prefer a tangier salad, increase the amount of lemon juice slightly.

Keywords: Mediterranean chicken pasta salad, healthy pasta salad, grilled chicken salad, feta cheese salad, fresh pasta salad, lemon olive oil dressing