why make this recipe
This salad is fresh, simple, and ready fast. It mixes cooked chicken, pasta, veggies, olives, and feta. You get protein, carbs, and bright flavors in one bowl. It works for lunch, potlucks, or a light dinner.
introduction
This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is easy to make and tastes bright. It uses common ingredients and does not need fancy tools. If you want another easy chicken pasta dish with bold flavors, try this marry me chicken pasta recipe for a different take.
how to make Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad
- Cook the chicken in olive oil until golden and fully cooked. Let it rest, then dice it.
- Boil the pasta as the package says. Drain it but do not rinse.
- Chop the vegetables. Put pasta, chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta, and olives in a big bowl.
- Add herbs, drizzle olive oil and lemon juice, and toss gently.
- Taste and add salt or pepper if needed. Chill before serving.
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
Directions :
- Cook the seasoned chicken in olive oil until golden brown and fully cooked. Let it rest before dicing.
- Boil pasta according to package instructions; drain without rinsing.
- Chop vegetables and combine them with pasta, chicken, feta, olives, and herbs in a large bowl.
- Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the mixture; toss gently to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving chilled.
how to serve Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad
Serve it cold or at room temperature. Add a lemon wedge on the side. For a fuller meal, serve with crusty bread or a green side salad.
how to store Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad
Keep the salad in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Toss gently before serving again. Do not freeze, as the vegetables and cheese may change texture.
tips to make Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad
- Cook the chicken with a little salt, pepper, and garlic for more taste.
- Use pasta that holds dressing, like rotini or penne.
- Cut vegetables into similar sizes for even bites.
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Add a splash of red wine vinegar or a teaspoon of mustard if you want more tang.
variation (if any)
- Add cooked artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers for more flavor.
- Swap feta for fresh mozzarella for a milder taste.
- Use grilled shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood version.
- Make it vegan by using chickpeas instead of chicken and vegan cheese.
FAQs
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken?
A: Yes. Rotisserie chicken works well and saves time.
Q: Do I need to rinse the pasta after cooking?
A: No. Do not rinse. The pasta should hold the dressing better without rinsing.
Q: How long does the salad last in the fridge?
A: It keeps well for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Q: Can I make this the day before?
A: Yes. Making it a few hours or the day before helps the flavors blend.
Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A fresh and vibrant salad combining cooked chicken, pasta, veggies, olives, and feta cheese, perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
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
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Herbs, as desired
- Lemon juice, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the chicken in olive oil until golden and fully cooked. Let it rest, then dice it.
- Boil the pasta according to package instructions. Drain it but do not rinse.
- Chop the vegetables. Put pasta, chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta, and olives in a big bowl.
- Add herbs, drizzle olive oil and lemon juice, and toss gently.
- Taste and add salt or pepper if needed. Chill before serving.
Notes
Try adding a splash of red wine vinegar or a teaspoon of mustard for extra tang.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
