This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is a colorful mix of tender chicken, fresh veggies, and tasty pasta. Tossed with a zingy dressing, it’s a delight in every bite!
I love how easy it is to make this salad ahead of time. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner, plus it makes leftovers so exciting! Who doesn’t enjoy a tasty, ready-to-go meal? 😊
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Rotini or fusilli works great because the twists hold onto the dressing and flavors better. If you’re gluten-free, try brown rice pasta or quinoa pasta as a substitute.
Chicken: Diced cooked chicken breast is perfect here. If you’re short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is an excellent choice. You could also use chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add sweetness and color! If they’re out of season, use grape tomatoes instead or even sun-dried tomatoes for a deeper flavor.
Cucumber: A fresh crunch is essential. If you don’t have cucumber on hand, try bell peppers or even zucchini, chopped small!
Feta Cheese: Feta gives a creamy tang to the salad. If you want a non-dairy option, look for vegan feta made from nuts or tofu.
Kalamata Olives: These provide a salty depth. If you prefer a milder taste, black olives work too. Just sliced would be fine!
How Do You Make Sure The Pasta Is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking pasta might seem simple, but getting it just right can make a big difference. You want it al dente, which means it should be tender yet still have a slight firmness when you bite into it. Follow these tips:
- Always add salt to the water before boiling; it enhances the pasta’s flavor.
- Check the package instructions for cooking time but start tasting a minute early. You want to avoid overcooking!
- Once done, drain the pasta and immediately rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps it cool quickly for the salad.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper (yellow or red), diced
- 1 cup artichoke hearts, quartered
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes to prepare the salad and 30 minutes to chill it in the fridge, making it a total of about 45 minutes from start to finish. This is a quick and refreshing dish that’s perfect for warm days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a pot of water and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which means it should still have a tiny bit of firmness. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Set it aside to drain completely.
2. Prepare the Salad Mix:
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, artichoke hearts, Kalamata olives, red onion, and parsley. Give everything a gentle stir to mix it well.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. This will be your dressing that brings all those delicious flavors together!
4. Combine and Toss:
Pour the dressing over your salad mix and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. This step is important for getting that full flavor in each bite!
5. Add Feta and Chill:
Now, fold in the crumbled feta cheese carefully so it stays nice and chunky. Cover the salad with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This waiting time allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together.
6. Serve:
When you’re ready to enjoy, serve the salad cold or at room temperature. You can garnish it with extra parsley if you like—it’s not just pretty, but adds a fresh touch!
Enjoy your Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad—it’s tasty, colorful, and packed with goodness!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini or fusilli work great for this salad, you can use any pasta shape you like, such as penne, farfalle, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose!
What Can I Substitute for Chicken?
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can easily replace the chicken with chickpeas or some grilled tofu. If you want an alternative protein, shredded rotisserie chicken or even canned tuna would work well too!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier! Just give it a good stir before serving again. If it seems dry, add a splash of olive oil or vinegar to refresh the salad.
Can I Make This Salad in Advance?
Yes! This salad is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just wait to add the feta cheese until right before serving to keep it fresh. Enjoy the flavors melding overnight!
