Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is a perfect blend of fresh vegetables, hearty chicken, and a tangy dressing that brings everything together. It’s quick to prepare, making it a great option for meal prep or a weeknight dinner. The combination of flavors—salty olives, creamy feta, fresh veggies, and tender chicken—creates a refreshing and satisfying salad that’s packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. It’s customizable, too! Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand.

Ingredients

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

For the salad:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced (about 2 chicken breasts)

• 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli work best)

• 1 cucumber, diced

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the dressing:

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or lemon juice for a citrusy flavor)

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions

Cook the pasta and chicken:

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 9-11 minutes). Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.

2. Cook the chicken: If you haven’t already cooked the chicken, season two chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a little olive oil. Grill or sauté them in a skillet over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then dice it into bite-sized pieces.

Make the dressing:

3. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar (or lemon juice), Dijon mustard, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until fully combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Assemble the salad:

4. Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.

5. Add the dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Make sure everything is well coated with the dressing.

6. Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for added flavor and color.

Serve:

7. Chill (optional): For best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.

8. Serve: Serve chilled or at room temperature and enjoy!

Servings and timing

This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad serves about 4-6 people. Prep time is about 15 minutes, with a cook time of about 20 minutes for the pasta and chicken. Total time to prepare and assemble is about 30-40 minutes, depending on how long you chill it.

Variations

• Grilled vegetables: Add grilled or roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant to the salad for extra flavor and texture.

• Add chickpeas: For extra protein and a boost of fiber, add a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas to the salad.

• Substitute the pasta: Use whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta for a healthier or gluten-free option.

• Vegan version: Omit the chicken and feta and replace with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version.

• Spicy kick: Add some red pepper flakes to the dressing or throw in some pickled jalapeños for a bit of heat.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. This salad is best served cold and doesn’t need to be reheated. The flavors improve as it sits, making it great for meal prep or make-ahead lunches.

FAQs

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and will save time. Just shred or dice the chicken and add it to the salad.

2. Can I make this salad without pasta?

Yes! You can replace the pasta with quinoa, couscous, or rice for a different texture. You could even make it a low-carb version by using cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad can be made ahead. In fact, it tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors meld. Just don’t add the dressing until you’re ready to serve to prevent the pasta from getting too soggy.

4. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute feta with goat cheese, ricotta salata, or any other crumbled cheese that you prefer.

5. Is this salad gluten-free?

You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta or replacing the pasta with quinoa or rice.

6. How do I make this salad spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing or include some sliced jalapeños in the salad to give it a spicy kick.

7. Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh ones?

Fresh vegetables are preferred for texture and flavor, but if you have frozen vegetables, just be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before adding them to the salad.

8. How can I make the dressing lighter?

For a lighter version of the dressing, you can substitute the olive oil with Greek yogurt or use less oil and increase the vinegar for a tangier flavor.

9. Can I use canned olives instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use canned olives in place of fresh ones. Just make sure to drain and rinse them well to remove excess salt.

10. How do I keep the salad from getting soggy if I make it ahead of time?

To prevent the salad from getting soggy, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving. Keep the salad components in airtight containers to maintain freshness.

Conclusion

Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is a fresh, flavorful, and healthy dish that combines all the best ingredients of Mediterranean cuisine. With tender chicken, pasta, vibrant veggies, and a tangy dressing, this salad is perfect for a light lunch, picnic, or dinner. It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and full of delicious flavors that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or a crowd-pleasing side dish, this Mediterranean-inspired salad is a perfect choice!