If you’re looking for a light yet satisfying dish that’s bursting with fresh flavors, Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is the perfect choice. With tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a colorful assortment of vegetables, this salad brings the vibrant tastes of the Mediterranean right to your table. Tossed in a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing and topped with creamy feta cheese and olives, it’s not just a treat for the taste buds but a feast for the eyes. Whether for lunch, dinner, or a side dish at a gathering, this salad is easy to make and perfect for meal prep. Plus, it’s customizable, so you can adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences.

Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad offers a wonderful combination of textures and flavors. The crunch of fresh cucumbers, the juiciness of cherry tomatoes, and the briny taste of kalamata olives are balanced perfectly by the creamy feta cheese. The light and tangy lemon-olive oil dressing adds a refreshing twist that makes the entire salad come together beautifully. This dish is not only quick to prepare, but it’s also versatile, making it ideal for various occasions – from a healthy weeknight dinner to a crowd-pleasing side at a barbecue.

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

Tip: You can find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Instructions

Cook the Chicken: Heat a little olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the seasoned chicken until golden brown and fully cooked. Allow it to rest before dicing it into bite-sized pieces.
Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions. Drain the pasta but avoid rinsing it to keep the starch that helps bind the dressing.
Chop Vegetables: While the pasta and chicken are cooling, chop the vegetables. Slice the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and chop the red onion.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, vegetables, feta cheese, kalamata olives, and any optional herbs you wish to add.
Toss the Salad: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice over the mixture. Toss gently to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if necessary.
Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving, as it tastes best when chilled. Serve it as a main course, side dish, or bring it along to a picnic!

Variations

Add Roasted Vegetables: For a heartier salad, consider adding roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant.
Swap the Pasta: While penne or rotini are traditional choices, you can swap them for gluten-free pasta, quinoa, or couscous for a different texture.
Add Nuts: Toss in some toasted pine nuts or almonds for extra crunch and a nutty flavor.
Make It Vegan: Skip the feta and use a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly version of this dish.

Heating/Storage

Storage: Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
Serving: Serve chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer a slightly warmer salad, you can let it sit out for a few minutes before serving.

10 FAQ

1. Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, this salad is perfect for making ahead! It can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days, and the flavors get better as it sits.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?
Absolutely! You can substitute feta with goat cheese, mozzarella, or even parmesan, depending on your preference.

3. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breast. Just ensure you thaw and cook it thoroughly before adding it to the salad.

4. Is this salad gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free pasta, this salad can easily be made gluten-free.

5. Can I use other vegetables in this salad?
Yes! Feel free to add roasted vegetables, spinach, or even artichoke hearts for extra flavor and texture.

6. How do I make the dressing more tangy?
If you like more tang, add an extra squeeze of lemon juice or even a dash of balsamic vinegar to the dressing.

7. Can I add meat other than chicken?
Yes! You can add turkey, grilled shrimp, or even a plant-based protein for a variation.

8. Can I make this salad without olives?
Yes, if you don’t like olives, you can skip them or replace them with capers for a salty punch.

9. Can I use canned chicken?
Canned chicken is a convenient option, though fresh or rotisserie chicken will provide a more flavorful result.

10. How can I make this salad spicier?
Add some chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a spicy dressing to give the salad a kick.

Conclusion

Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is a quick and flavorful dish that brings the taste of the Mediterranean to your table. With tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and creamy feta cheese tossed in a simple lemon-olive oil dressing, this salad offers both comfort and a refreshing bite. It’s versatile, easy to make, and perfect for meal prep, making it a great choice for a satisfying lunch, dinner, or side dish. Enjoy!

Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Chef sara
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is bursting with fresh flavors! Made with chicken, pasta, feta cheese, olives, and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing, it’s the perfect light yet satisfying dish for any occasion

Instructions

Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook seasoned chicken until golden brown and fully cooked. Let it rest before dicing into bite-sized pieces.
Cook the Pasta:
- Boil pasta according to package instructions. Drain but don’t rinse to preserve the pasta starch.
Prepare the Vegetables:
- While pasta and chicken cool, chop cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and chop red onion.
Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine pasta, chicken, vegetables, feta cheese, and olives.
Toss the Salad:
- Drizzle the dressing (olive oil and lemon juice) over the salad. Toss everything together until evenly coated.
Taste and Adjust:
- Season with additional salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste.
Serve:
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving, but it can also be served immediately.

Notes

Add Roasted Vegetables: Add roasted peppers, zucchini, or eggplant for a more hearty and colorful salad.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
Vegan Version: Swap the chicken for a plant-based protein and use vegan feta or nutritional yeast.
Add Nuts: Add some toasted pine nuts or almonds for extra crunch and flavor.
Herb Variation: Add fresh herbs like parsley or mint for an added pop of flavor

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Side Dish or Light Main
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired